Going For A Walk
Going For A Walk
Dr. Vince Hefner, Pastor, First Baptist Church, Cherryville
On the first day of the new year, my wife and I took a walk after lunch. I generally try to exercise 3 or 4 times a week, but I would rather walk with my wife than go to the gym by myself. I am such a romantic! One of the reasons we walked together is to get the New Year off on the right foot, so to speak, and a brisk walk is good for body and mind. I am surprised by how much better I feel after I have exercised, so give it a try. It is never too late to work at getting healthier.
When we arrived at the track, several other people were also walking. I have discovered that you can tell a lot about someone by how they walk. If someone walks with a limp, they have an injury; if someone walks in a rigid manner, they are probably uptight; if someone walks holding a set of keys, they are afraid that they might be attacked while walking, so don’t speak to them when you pass them on the track! If someone walks backwards they want to see where they have been, and if someone walks real fast, they are in a hurry. I have seen people walk and smoke at the same time. I guess these people can’t decide on whether or not to be in shape, so they split the difference. One fact is for certain, we are all walking for various reasons regardless of posture, purpose, or pace.
Have you ever wondered how a Christian should walk? What does the Bible say about this subject? I am so glad that you asked! Ephesians 5:15-17 says, “Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men, but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil. So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.” (NAS) This is a wonderful passage of Scripture to consider in beginning the New Year. I want you to notice a few things about these verses as they pertain to how a person should walk and why he or she should walk in a wise manner.
First of all, there is a difference in how a Christian should live their lives as opposed to a nonbeliever. There is more to the Christian life than talk, and that is our walk. Are you planning to walk with God during 2019? There is an old mountain expression that is used when someone would ask another person, “How is it going?” The reply is, “It is going the way it is headed!” which means, wherever I am walking in life is my destination. If you are not consciously thinking about honoring Christ with your life, chances are you are not going to do it. A wise person knows where they are headed.
Second, the Bible talks about making the most of “your time.” Human beings love to measure time. We wear watches to tell us what time it is in the present, we read books to tell us about time in the past, and we use calendars to make us aware of time in the future. It seems that “time” is endless. However, you and I have a certain amount of time allotted to us, and the Bible tells us to make the most of “your time.” How are you going to use your time in 2019? I pray that you walk in a manner pleasing to Jesus Christ, and make the most of what He has given you. Remember, don’t give in to sin. Think about!