April 12, 2021

Walking Instructions

 Dear Friend,

      Our title sounds silly, doesn't it? Everyone knows how to walk. Right?

     Yes, but every Christian does not know how to walk with God throughout the day - in the Word, in the Spirit, close to Jesus, always in touch, ready for His use at a moment's notice. No side issue, this is one of God's primary desires for believers.

     You see, He knows we regularly attend church meetings where immersion in "all things Christian" tends to make it much easier to stay close to Him. That is, on meeting days. But what about the other days? Work days? Free days? Evenings and weekends? Are we walking closely with Christ on these days, too? Or drifting afar off? Theoretically, we know we should "walk with Christ," but practically, many of us simply don't know how. Why?

     Too many of us have been passionately preached to, but not carefully taught. We have a vision of a Christian life, but lack the nuts and bolts of it. We've mastered doctrinal Christianity, but not practical Christianity. We have a devoted heart but lack a disciplined lifestyle. Consequently, we draw near Jesus at meeting times, then draw back to lesser, lower attitudes, conversations, and behavior patterns at other times. Our Sundays are spiritual but our weekdays are worldly. What do we need?

     Special prayer? Okay! A trip to the altar? That's good. Laying on of hands? That's also biblical. A new course? That's not wrong. But none of these things will root and establish us in a steady, close walk with Christ. The people knew God's works but Moses knew - and lived in - His ways! It's time we become Mosaic. It's time we receive practical instruction on how to walk closely with God throughout the day. Every day. This day. So, here are a few basic pointers.

     Begin every day alone with God, reading and searching His Word. Water that creative Word-seed with prayer, praise, thanksgiving, worship - and always, childlike belief, asking God questions but never questioning God and always accepting His Word-answers as final. Not comfortable worshiping at home? Get comfortable. Learn to worship by worshiping - ask the Holy Spirit to teach you and expect His guidance. If you start your day with anything or anyone other than Jesus, you've just written "bad day" all over it before you even walk out the door!

     When you leave your devotional time, take your devotion with you. Live your day set apart for Christ's pleasure, not yours. Obey His Word in every situation you meet. Don't ask what Jesus would do, do what Jesus said you should do. Pray spontaneously whenever problems or needs arise. Don't wait for a prayer meeting, be a walking prayer meeting.

     Walk in faith. Believe God's Word is true without further confirmation. Walk in love. Love others daily with the same patience, forgiveness, and forbearance Jesus is loving you with daily. Walk in hope. Believe all biblical prophecy will be fulfilled and all God's plans for you are good - and don't delay or cancel them by unbelief or disobedience!

     Walk in the attitude of acceptance. Give thanks "in" all situations, knowing "this is the will of God" for you (1 Thessalonians 5:18). And even thank Him "for" all things (Ephesians 5:20), knowing He turns "all" things for good (Romans 8:28). Walk watching. Understand you're a target for the tripster, Satan, and he's skilled at stumbling saints. So, be more skilled!

     Walk expecting tests. They must come so your faith may be proven, purified, strengthened, and increased, and your obedience a matter of record. Obey thoroughly and joyfully, not halfway and grumbling. Walk asking the Spirit's guidance. Then follow His guidance whether you like it or not, confident in His unchanging wisdom and goodness.

     Walk ready to confess sin, should it occur. When sin happens, confession must happen - immediately! Every moment you wait you are in darkness, in the flesh, out of the Spirit, and an easy mark for the tripster. Walk ready to forgive. When people offend you, forgive them - immediately! Drop all anger and pray for their repentance.

     If your day feels dry, water it! Confess you know Christ is with you because, "He hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee" (Hebrews 13:5). If your day is successful, be humble. Thank the Lord profusely for your blessings, naming each one - and the pride of self-congratulation will never stumble you.

     Practice charity. "Give, and it shall be given unto you" (Luke 6:38), so you may give again. Do your duty. Faithfulness grows as we labor faithfully, especially in great adversity. Discipline yourself. Minimize overeating and oversleeping and maximize time management and a "God's will first" daily agenda, realizing indulgence and indolence reduce your spiritual walk to a crawl while fasting and diligence help you run and not be weary.

     When correction comes, embrace it. The Holy Spirit shows us what's wrong so we may do what's right - immediately! A corrected Christian is a stronger Christian and a corrected walk a closer walk. When you need rest, take it. Overcomers realize overwork often gives the tripster a chance to work them over.

     When people ask your beliefs, share them frankly and freely. Professing Christ more helps us possess Christ more. When sudden fear comes, suddenly trust. Take the intruding threat or anxiety straight to your unshakable Refuge and "by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving" rely on His unfailing faithfulness to see you through (Philippians 4:6-7).

     Practice Bible meditation. Muse, ponder, and delight in Bible texts until their power empowers you. Practice the holiest communion. Commune with the holy One, Christ, through the day. Talk to Him frequently, thank Him often, and whenever His Spirit brings His Word to mind, stop and consider how it applies to your current situation.

     Practicing this practical Christianity will make you a "doer of the Word, not a hearer only" (James 1:22-25). These biblical nuts and bolts will make you a soundly-built human tabernacle the Spirit may indwell and use for any task at any time. Combined with your devotion, these simple disciplines will enable you to walk with Jesus not just on meeting days but every day. Any day. This day! And that will trip the tripster!

     So, now you've got your instructions. Walk in them!

Walking,

Greg Hinnant Greg Hinnant Ministries