Do you have one of those devices that keep track of your steps? They have been all the rage for some time now. Fitbit, Garmin, Smart Fitness are just a few of the different brands that will keep track of how many steps you have taken. Some of the devices even tell you to get moving if you have been sedentary for too long. The more we keep moving the healthier we are. It is good to walk. Recently I have been meeting with a friend and we have been reading God's Word together. We picked the book of Ephesians to read. And we have discovered that Paul (the one who wrote the letter to the people at the church in Ephesus) talks a lot about walking. When we get together, we talk about what insights we discover, what questions we have and how we want to apply the reading to our every day lives. (IQA) It has been a simple formula to follow and we have had such wonderful discussions around God's word, just one chapter at a time.
Here are some of the verses that talk about walking: (I added the bold words for emphasis)
Ephesians 2:10 "For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."
Ephesians 4:1,2 "I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace."
(Paul was in prison when he wrote this letter)
Ephesians 5:2 "And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God."
Ephesians 5:8 "Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord."
Ephesians 5:15-16 "Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil."
What are we to walk in?
The good works that God has prepared for us to do.
What is the manner I am to walk in?
Humble, gentle, patient and bearing with one another in love.
What does love look like?
Giving ourselves up to serve others.
What does light look like?
Pleasing the Lord, being about what is good, right and true.
What do we need to be careful about?
That we are being wise, and making the most of our time and our opportunities.
How cool would it be if there were a Fitbit that would not just count our steps, but would ask us questions about the manner in which we are walking. How are you doing at asking God what good work do you have for me to do today? How are you doing at being humble and gentle and bearing with one another in love? How are you doing at promoting unity? Are you loving those around you? Are you making the most of the opportunities you are given?
Perhaps instead of focussing on making it to 10,000 steps a day, we could focus on how we are walking around.
I am so thankful God has provided this friend for me to meet with and discuss God's word, share together in prayer and find ways to apply what we are learning. She helps hold me accountable to the goals I have set and I do the same for her. Who do you have that you could "walk" alongside of as you follow Jesus?