The Word - March 2, 2012 - THE CHRISTIAN WALK

"Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are His dear children. And walk in love, the same sort of love which Christ gives us, and which He perfectly expressed when He gave Himself up for us as a sacrifice to God" (Ephesians 5:1-2).

The walk (life) of a believer in Christ is a prominent theme throughout the entire New Testament. This is especially true of the letter to the church at Ephesus, where the Holy Spirit teaches us concerning the amazing things that God has already provided for those whom He has called.

In the fifth chapter he exhorts us to "Walk in love, as Christ also has loved us, and has given Himself for us," (vs.2). It is obvious, then, that the conduct of the believer should be consistent with the exalted position to which he has been brought by the grace of God. As a result, we are instructed to "Walk as children of light" (vs. 8), and to "Walk carefully", as well as "Walk in love."

If it is true of us that we are "in Christ", then the proof will be revealed by the Holy Spirit dwelling within, because "The fruit of the Spirit is love" (Galatians 5:22). This unconditional love is not the product of natural affection, for "The love of God is shed abroad in our hearts, by the Holy Spirit" (Romans 5:5).

The love of God is perfected in those who obey His commandments (1 John 2:5), and one of His most important commandments is emphasized by John; "love one another".

This expression of the true love of God will preserve us from despair when we are going through the many trials of the Christian's walk. The end result of true love to God is the confidence that nothing can ever separate us from the love of God. "Neither death, nor life, nor angels. nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, not depth, or any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."