August 26

Walking With Jesus

Therefore, just as you have received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to walk in Him, — Col 2:6 BSB

The daily walk of the Christian is vital because it serves as our witness to the world. Our character, seen through our behavior, is the world’s only Bible and sermon (2 Corinthians 3:2-3). Let us strive to walk in a way that pleases God and blesses others. At first, walking with God requires careful attention to each step, but over time, it becomes the natural habit of our soul (Colossians 1:10).

We first received Jesus by faith, opening the door of our hearts to Him as our Lord and Master. In the same way, we must live each day by faith, continually receiving grace upon grace from Him and allowing what He works in us to flow out in love, kindness, and Christlikeness. As we learn to depend on Jesus for every need, it becomes second nature to turn to Him in every circumstance. This is what Paul means when he says we are to be “rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith.”

However, this walk is only possible if we have learned to “crucify the flesh with its passions and desires” (Galatians 5:24). The flesh is our self-life, whether in subtle or gross forms. Whenever self takes over, it has a negative effect on our actions and words. Just as a ship’s iron hull can interfere with the compass, so our self-life can distort our character and hinder our walk with God.

How can we crucify the flesh? Only by yielding to the Holy Spirit’s control. He makes the cross dearer and more effective in our lives. He will conquer sinful habits in us as we surrender to His power. If we allow the Spirit to lead us, we will not only be delivered from the self-life, but we will also produce the fruit of holy living that pleases God and blesses others.

Prayer

May Your Holy Spirit be ever with us, guiding and sustaining us with Your divine grace, that we may walk faithfully before You. Amen.