Walk...

Ephesians 4:1,15  "I... urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called... speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up..."

When a baby learns to crawl it is adorable and video-worthy. But there comes a time when crawling should turn to walking. It is the natural progression of healthy growth.

At some point crawling is no longer adorable, nor natural. There comes a time when crawling is an indication of trouble.

The Christian life is often referred to as a "walk." (Though it might be likened better to a hike.) This is appropriate in the sense that the life of faith is a journey, and there is no express charter to spiritual maturity. Our journey with Christ is a one-step-at-a-time faith walk-about over the rugged terrain of our lives.

If we sprint out ahead of Christ, we will trip over an unforeseen rock or root in the path; or diverge from the path completely. If we lag behind (or crawl), we may lose sight of our guide. The Christian "walk" is to be "walked" side by side with with the One who promises to "never leave us," and "be with us always," (Deuteronomy 31:6; Matthew 28:20). (In reality, both analogies - running ahead and lagging behind - fail, because no matter where we are, God will not abandon us.)

The harsh reality is we all struggle to walk at times. We revert to a crawl; whether due to internal impairment or the weight of external circumstance. In either case however, Christ gives us the power to stand up and walk. It is the Holy Spirit's ministry within to empower us when we have no power. At these times, we must trust him, lean on him. We just get up and allow him to direct our steps. "Trust in the Lord... and he will direct your steps," (Proverbs 3:5-6).

Paul writes that we are to "...walk in a manner worthy of the calling..." (v.1). As he describes the manner of this walk, he places our Christian life in the context of relationships. Each of the qualities he mentions - gentleness, patience, humility, love, etc. - are internal "fruit of the Spirit" with relationship application (see Galatians 5:22-23).

For the sake of time and (blog) space, let's distill it down to this: We need one another. The life of faith is a life set in community. Christianity cannot be lived or experienced in a vacuum of isolation.

Today we may be the arm of Jesus reaching down to help another stand from a crawl. Today we may need a another to reach down to us - to help us walk.

God, Help me to walk in a manner worthy...