In Ephesians, the Apostle Paul is intent on helping Christians learn how to walk! This skill is something that we do without thinking. In fact, it is something we all think we mastered around the first year of life. Paul seems to think we need to be re-taught.
When you take a walk it is with the intent of being steady and consistent in your steps—not too fast, not too slow. You keep up the pace mile after mile. This image is the image Paul had in mind as he instructs us to think of the Christian life as a new walk.
- “And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world…†(2:2)
- “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.†(2:10)
- “walk in a manner worthy of your calling†(4:1)
- “you must no longer walk as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their minds†(4:17)
- “Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us…†(5:1)
- "for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of the light.†(5:8)
- “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise.†(5:15)
Walking doesn’t seem to be as easy as it once was. Paul’s thoughts make me know why the hymn writer wrote “Just a Closer Walk with Thee.â€