In a recent blog (see here), I discussed various Biblical expressions concerning ways of walking that are pleasing to the Lord. In this blog, we will consider the ways of walking that are displeasing to Him.
Here are expressions of the ways of walking that are inconsistent with the believer’s exalted status as a child of God:
- Walking in darkness (Ps 82:5; Prov 2:13; Eccles 2:14; Isa 50:10; 59:9; 1 John 1:6; 2:11)
- Walking according to the flesh (Rom 8:1, 4; 2 Pet 2:10)
- Walking in lust (Rom 13:13; 1 Pet 4:3; 2 Pet 3:3; Jude 18)
- Walking in futility of mind (Eph 4:17)
- Walking as fools (Eph 5:15)
- Walking in their own counsels (Ps 81:12)
- Walking according to their own thoughts (Isa 65:2)
- Walking in the way of evil (Prov 4:14)
- Walking after other gods (Jer 7:6)
- Walking in lies (Jer 23:14)
The Bible is God’s Word. We say that. But sometimes we do not let that sink in. God is telling mankind what we need to do to experience His blessings in this life. That starts, of course, with believing in His Son for the gift of everlasting life (John 3:16). But that is not enough to bring about God’s blessings. The believer must then grow and walk in a new way. He must start walking God’s way.
God tells us repeatedly that His ways are the path to blessing, and the ways of the world and its lusts are the path to cursing.
My friend, Dr. Mark Bruce, an emergency room physician, tells me that a common problem in the ER late at night is broken toes. People get up and walk around the house in the dark. They end up breaking a toe on the leg of a chair or couch or ottoman. Walking in darkness is dangerous on a purely physical level. But it is also dangerous spiritually.
Haven’t we all heard the objection, If I believed THAT, why wouldn’t I go out and live like the devil? People somehow think that if they were certain that they were eternally secure and could never lose it, then they would turn to alcohol, drugs, lying, cheating, immorality, and so forth. Really? Do people really think that being an alcoholic or cocaine addict is good for them and those around them? Do people believe that sexual immorality enhances their life and that of their spouse and kids? The Bible is clear that walking according to one’s lusts is a terrible way to live.
There are unbelievers who recognize that following God’s ways is best. Think of Cornelius in Acts 10 before he came to faith (cf. Acts 11:14).
God’s ways are best for us. Walking contrary to His ways is foolish.
The fact that “once saved, always saved” is true does not motivate or encourage walking as fools. A fool walks contrary to God’s Word. A wise man walks according to God’s ways.
I used to love the TV show Father Knows Best. Well, our Heavenly Father knows best! Keep grace in focus and you will walk in His light!
