We often see the lives of leaders being put under scrutiny, as a high standard is set for bosses, politicians and pastors. How closely they follow the rules and behave in a manner befitting their post is of interest to many. However, living to a higher standard is not just for leaders, God is interested in our walk with Him.
He has shown you, O man, what is good;
And what does the Lord require of you
But to do justly,
To love mercy,
And to walk humbly with your God? – Micah 6:8
With all of the pressure placed on our time and resources today, God has some simple and straightforward requirements. He is interested in what we do, how we love and the way we walk.
There is no advantage to running out ahead of God’s plan and perfect timing for our life. God wants us to walk with Him in humility and there is a reward for all those who walk well
For the Lord God is a sun and shield;
The Lord will give grace and glory;
No good thing will He withhold
From those who walk uprightly. – Psalm 84:20
The style of your walk will not change your path, but where you choose to walk will always affect how you walk.
Many people argue about style and looks, rather than taking the time to adjust where they walk. If you walk along smooth, straight pathways, it is possible to move swiftly along. But nobody moves quickly in sand or mud.
Just like mud, sin sticks and clings to slow us down or stop us completely. The going is slow and difficult as walking becomes trudging. When we come away from the good path set for us, we can find ourselves wading through the things which keep us away from God. We need to look to the one who pulls us out of the mire, restores us and then gently leads us to the path He knows is better for us.
He restores my soul;
He leads me in the paths of righteousness
For His name’s sake. – Psalm 23:3
To walk with God means, finding His rhythm, walking at His pace. Just like walking with a friend, we communicate during the journey and learn about each other with every step. We can only walk with God if we agree with Him.
Can two walk together, unless they are agreed? – Amos 3:3
Who we agree with and the company we keep will affect where we walk, because it’s connected to our character. Just as bad company corrupts good character, so good company will help keep us on the straight and narrow path. When we agree with God and allow Him to determine our steps, we benefit from the nearness of God and begin to grow in Him. We stumble less, because with Christ, we have a light in the darkness.
Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” – John 8:12
There is no need to struggle and stumble in the dark when we choose to walk with the light of the world. Check your walk today, get back on the good path, choose to do justly, love mercy and walk humbly with God. He will withhold no good thing and we will have the joy of His presence and company as we simply walk through life with Him.
Be blessed in your journey,
Nigel