Just to be called by Jesus Christ, is a privilege in itself. It’s a calling that is upheld to the highest, holiest, healthiest, and happiest callings there is, but not because we could ever live up to it ourselves, but because of Jesus’ sacrificial love for us. God chose to give up His only son, so that the whole world might be saved and be able to receive everlasting life (John 3:16 & 1 John 2:2). This choice came at a price (1 Corinthians 6:20), by a holy and perfect God humbling himself (Philippians 2:8) to become the word manifested in the flesh (1 Timothy 3:16): the one and only true King who was called a fraud, detested, afflicted, and crucified by His own people! Jesus has shown us His faith and hope by displaying the greatest love, to lay down His life for the whole entire world. Having faith that God was going to complete what He had first started and the hope that we might be able to have an interpersonal relationship with God the Father. As a result, we have been given free will to follow Him 100% or to choose to be an heir of disobedience. Fortunately, when we truly accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior and decide to walk the path that leads to life (Mathew 7:13-14) we are officially adopted (Ephesians 1:5-6) into His royal priesthood! This is where the exchange starts to happen; our identity is no longer found in ourselves, but instead in Jesus Christ! As it is written in Galatians 2:20, “‘I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” In knowing this we have a responsibility of being an ambassador (2 Corinthians 5:20), doer of the word (James 1:21-25), and bondservant (Ephesians 6:5-8) for his name’s sake! Therefore, because Jesus became a curse for us, we are able to receive the promise of the Holy Spirit through faith (Galatians 3:13-14) and be a blessing to others for His glory by being used by Him. With that being said, the least we can do is to revere, honor, serve, and be true ambassadors for Him!
Which leads to the question: If I have already accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior and chose to follow Him 100%, then how do I walk according to His precepts?
As an ambassador of Jesus Christ there are many ways that we can walk, but the only way we are able to do it how God wants it, is through the power of the Holy Spirit. There is nothing that we are able to do by ourselves, but through Jesus Christ we are able to do all things (Philippians 4:13). Without further ado, here are 5 ways that we can walk according to His precepts! :)
1. WALK HUMBLY WITH OUR GOD
Micah 6:8 ~
He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God?
Before we ever want to do anything for the Lord (Colossians 3:17), a heart check is always necessary. As it says in Jeremiah 17:9, “The heart is deceitful above all things, And desperately wicked; Who can know it?” It is essential to humble ourselves before the Lord, which could mean the act of true repentance (to take a 180 from sin/ trespasses/ transgressions/ iniquity, and choosing to walk on the paths of righteousness instead), or to surrender our ways, thoughts, and plans to Him. Remembering that His ways and thoughts are always higher than ours (Isaiah 55:8-9) and His plans for us are always to prosper us, give us a hope, and a future (Jeremiah 29:11). And when we actively take part in humbling ourselves daily, we are able to submit to the power of the Holy Spirit, walk in the likeness of Jesus Christ, and trust in Him!
2. WALK BY FAITH
2 Corinthians 5:7 ~ For we walk by faith, not by sight.
When we are walking with Jesus it is so essential to have faith! To believe that God is going to do what He said He would do, no matter what! That our eyes are focused on not the things that are seen but the things which are unseen, for the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal (2 Corinthians 4:17-18). When we have faith in Jesus we end up having peace under pressure, trust, confidence, security, and so much more in Him! As we get down to the nitty-gritty, it all begins with faith. Ultimately, If we do not have faith in God, we not only end up putting Him in a box, but we also end up displeasing Him (Hebrews 11:6). So as we follow Jesus Christ we must have faith in our creator, knowing that He is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8). While remembering that God is always faithful (2 Timothy 2:13), He cannot lie (Hebrews 6:18), therefore He will always keep His promises (Hebrews 10:23)!
3. WALK IN LOVE
Ephesians 5:1-2 ~ Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.
As God’s children we are to imitate our good, good Father. And one of things that He is, is love (1 John 4:8). And because God is love, we are commanded to walk in love (John 15:17). Remembering that the only reason we are able to love is that He first loved us (1 John 4:19). So whether it be our parents, significant others, friends, or even enemies (Mathew 5:43-48) we are to actively walk in love, regardless of who or what the situation may look like. This love is not the type of love that the world has to offer which is conditional, but the love that requires no conditions: agape love. Love that suffers long, is kind, does not envy; is not prideful, is not puffed up; is not rude, is not self-seeking, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in sin, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things, and never fails (1 Corinthians 13). Always remember that whatever we do without love, will never come to profit for either us or His kingdom. So as we go about whatever we may do let us do it with love (1 Corinthians 16:14)!
4. WALK IN HIS TRUTH
Psalm 26:2-3 ~ Examine me, O LORD, and prove me; Try my mind and my heart. 3For your lovingkindness is before my eyes, And I have walked in Your truth.
Psalm 86:11 ~
Teach me Your way, O LORD; I will walk in your truth; Unite my heart to fear Your name.
Walking in His truth is actually a very crucial part of our journey with Jesus, meaning it is something that we should not live without. As it says in Matthew 4:4 by Jesus, “‘[...] It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’” Meaning that we cannot live by only physical food, but we need to feed our spirit with the word of God. In order to know and develop a deeper relationship as disciples with our God, we need to abide in His word so that we can know His truth, and be made free (John 8:31-32) Never forgetting that His word is “living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of the soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12). Through His Word we are able to discern what is good and evil (Hebrews 5:14). And we are able to see ourselves (James 1:23-24), meaning that it exposes what is in our hearts, whether it is good or evil. Either or, we are able to take both to God and let Him take care of it because His grace is sufficient (2 Corinthians 12:9). And although getting into the word day and night (Joshua 1:8) may be a surrender of our time, we rest assured that the word brings healing, knowledge, wisdom, and draws us closer to Him! Overall, getting into His word is a huge part of being a follower of Jesus, it equips us emotionally, physically, and spiritually! So let us rejoice in the opportunity to be able to read the Bible and get more and more of His word written in our hearts (Romans 2:15), as others may not have the opportunity to do so!
5. WALK AS CHILDREN OF LIGHT
Ephesians 5:8-10~ For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light. (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth), 10finding out what is acceptable to the Lord.
Walking as Children of Light sounds actually super exciting! Knowing that we are no longer in darkness but are in the light! That every burden that we once carried, we are able to give to the Lord. That every dark secret that we once held onto can actually be let go because Jesus paid the price for us to be set free! What an amazing gift to have the light! And as Children of light and joint-heirs of Christ, we have freedom, confidence, peace, love, joy, goodness, righteousness, truth, and so many more benefits! What an honor it is to have the promise of the Holy Spirit, Jesus our Christ, and God as our Father! With that being said, walking as Children of Light is of course not always easy, but it is made simple by us doing everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ (Colossians 3:17) and through the power of the Holy Spirit, who is our helper (John 14:25-26).
Without a doubt, as we walk humbly, by faith, in love, in His truth, and as children of light we can rest assured that we are on the right track of running that race of Faith (Hebrews 12:1-2). So let us stay encouraged, humbled, and on fire while walking with Jesus knowing that our author and finisher of our faith is going to complete what He had first started (Philippians 1:6)!
God bless you, we pray this draws you closer to God, and that your eyes of understanding are enlightened in Jesus' name! :)
Proverbs 16:9
A man’s heart plans his way, But the Lord directs his steps.