Our ten-month old grandson is learning to walk. Eight steps now, before he keels over! It also appears that he is on his way to becoming a champion soccer player because he is doing his best to kick that soccer ball either before or after he goes down! First steps and conquering the ability to walk are both rites of passage for any child. Overcoming fear, gaining balance, falling down and getting back up are all part and parcel of the process of learning to walk. Not to mention some bumps and bruises!
The concept of walking also has a spiritual application. When we embark on the Christian journey as followers of Christ, we are really learning to walk. The first step is when we acknowledge that we are sinners in need of Jesus as our Saviour. His death on the Cross as payment for our sins becomes personal. His resurrection from the dead assures us of His power to put us on the right path. Faith is only as strong as the object in which it is placed. That first step, focused on the Lord Jesus, shall certainly prepare us for a lifelong adventure wherein we are led by God.
Spiritually, walking is synonymous with living out our lives on a daily basis with God and His will in mind. As Christians, we are to “lead (walk) a life worthy of our calling, for we have been called by God.” “Live (walk) a life filled with love, following the example of Christ.” “Once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live (walk) as people of light!” (Ephesians 4 & 5). If we stray from God, we need to turn back to God. If we fall, we need to get up and walk again. “Those who trust in the Lord will find new strength…they will walk and not faint.” (Isaiah 40:31).