The Word - March 21, 2012 - THE CHRISTIAN'S WALK

"Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us. See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil" (Ephesians 5:1,2 15,16).


In the opening doctrinal chapters of Ephesians, the believer in Christ is seen quickened from the dead, raised beyond corruption, and seated in the heavenlies with Christ. In the closing practical chapters, the believer is exhorted to, " walk in love, as Christ also has loved us."

It should be obvious to us all that the conduct of the Christian should be consistent with the exalted position to which we have been brought by the grace of God. We are instructed to "Walk as children of light, (vs.8), and to "Walk circumspectly (vs. 15), as well as to "walk in love."

Most of us err regarding the object upon which we set our affections. There is a real danger of "self" becoming the object of our hearts. "For people shall be lovers of themselves", moreover, it is possible to be "lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God."

The real danger is that we think of all the "things or experiences" we feel cheated of, and those "things" take the place of Christ in our hearts w, sometimes without realizing it.
According to Psalm 97: 10, our love for God results in our hating evil, so dear friends love has a separating influence on the way we walk!

True love to God will preserve us from despair when we are confronted by the many trials of the Christian pilgrimage. Expressive love to Christ is an indication of our deep thankfulness of His love for us. This expression of genuine love is seen in our obedience to follow Him and His truth to the point of a willingness to make any sacrifice for Him.

How should we walk? Paul sums it up for us in Philippians 1:9-11: "I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding....May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation, the righteous character produced in your life by Jesus Christ!"