"Walk worthily of the Lord unto all pleasing..........." Colossians 1:10
The Christian life is described by various attitudes and actions.
We are to 'sit still', to 'stand fast', to 'run the race', to 'walk worthily': and each of these ideas has its own value in its setting.
In the Prison Epistles our life is characterised as a 'walk' We are to 'walk in love' 'walk as children of light' 'walk circumspectly'. 'walk in Him', and 'walk worthily of the Lord'.
This metaphor is designed to give prominence to several features of the Christian calling. For instance, to walk implies effort. It is not the contemplative, but the active aspect of our life that is here in view; there is a putting forth of energy; truth stirs to activity. Divine knowledge leaves no man stationary.
To walk also implies progress. Not only is there motion, but motion forward. There can be a great deal of movement without progress. But however rapid the movement there can be no advance in a circle. The Christian life is essentially a progressive life. Furthermore, to walk implies steadiness. We recall the words "they shall mount up with wings as eagles, they shall run and not be weary they shall walk and not faint" The thought here does not fall, but rises: it is more difficult to run than fly, and more difficult to walk than to run.
Walking implies maturity, persistence, steadiness. For this practical energy of the Christian life, is raised a lofty standard. It is to be a walk 'worthily of the Lord'. This expression strikes the key-note of our calling. We shall not easily apprehend the significance if this word, and perhaps never in this estate fully realise the ideal.
The Christian life is described by various attitudes and actions.
We are to 'sit still', to 'stand fast', to 'run the race', to 'walk worthily': and each of these ideas has its own value in its setting.
In the Prison Epistles our life is characterised as a 'walk' We are to 'walk in love' 'walk as children of light' 'walk circumspectly'. 'walk in Him', and 'walk worthily of the Lord'.
This metaphor is designed to give prominence to several features of the Christian calling. For instance, to walk implies effort. It is not the contemplative, but the active aspect of our life that is here in view; there is a putting forth of energy; truth stirs to activity. Divine knowledge leaves no man stationary.
To walk also implies progress. Not only is there motion, but motion forward. There can be a great deal of movement without progress. But however rapid the movement there can be no advance in a circle. The Christian life is essentially a progressive life. Furthermore, to walk implies steadiness. We recall the words "they shall mount up with wings as eagles, they shall run and not be weary they shall walk and not faint" The thought here does not fall, but rises: it is more difficult to run than fly, and more difficult to walk than to run.
Walking implies maturity, persistence, steadiness. For this practical energy of the Christian life, is raised a lofty standard. It is to be a walk 'worthily of the Lord'. This expression strikes the key-note of our calling. We shall not easily apprehend the significance if this word, and perhaps never in this estate fully realise the ideal.
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