How is Your Walk?

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 -  Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. 25 And everyone who competes for the prize exercises self-control in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. 26 Therefore I run with certainty. Thus, I fight: not as one who beats the air. 27 But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.

Have you ever considered how your Christian walk affects how you run the Christian race? There are songs and scriptures that talk about how we should walk. So, clearly our walk is important. Our Christian walk prepares us to run the Christian race. The two are directly related. The Bible tells us that we
1.Should walk in all the ways that God has commanded us (Deuteronomy 5:33)
2.Should not walk in darkness but in the light. (1 John 1:7)
3.Should walk uprightly (Psalm 15:2)
4.Should walk by faith and not sight (2 Corinthians 5:7)
5.Should walk worthy of the Lord (Colossians 1:9-14)

You may be wondering, “does my walk really affect how I run my race; or why does how I walk even matter”? Well, your walk is what you do, daily. Your walk is what everyone sees. Although the race is proverbial, it is a real aspect of your Christian journey. How you walk will determine how your race is run. When you can walk upright (form matters) you are in the correct posture to run the race. When you walk by faith, you are ready to face hurdles that will appear suddenly while you are running. When you walk in all the ways that God has commanded you, you are less likely to backslide. Your walk matters because it prepares you for the race by strengthening you, directing you, guiding you, and protecting you. However, in order to walk “right” you must listen to your coach. The coach ensures that your form is correct. Proper form yields better results and better results means a stronger and healthier body; in our case a walk worthy of the Lord. Consequently, improper form causes injuries and sin. Most people have heard the saying, Practice makes perfect. However, perfect practice makes perfect. The idea is that practicing alone doesn’t make you better but the way you practice does. This is also true in the Christian race. Yes, being in the race is important but how you run the race is also important. The Christian race is not a sprint; it is a marathon. As a result, there are things you must do before and during this race so that you can make it to the finish line and claim your crown(s). Proper preparation and form are a must because this race will have hills and valleys, high and low points, times when you are thirsty and other times when you are not. Proper preparation and ongoing conditioning are necessary to run this race.

Prior to the start of any race, you first must stretch. Stretching prepares the muscles for the work ahead; assisting in the prevention of injury. So, prior to your race and many times during you must pray (Philippians 4:6 & I Thessalonians 5:16-18). Praying is the stretching needed for the work ahead. Moreover, there will be times in this race where you will need instruction. In the Christian race, you get game time experience immediately and to be game ready you must show up for practice. Practice in the Christian race includes attending church (Hebrew 10:25), attending Bible study (Proverbs 11:14) and listening to the Pastor; your coach (Ephesians 4:11-16). Furthermore, as runners in this race, you must also practice at home, on your own, by reading your Bible. Eventually, there will come a time where you will have to show your skills. Yes, your skills/your gifts will be on display and there will be tests along the way. As a result, we must study (2 Tim 2:15), attend practice regularly, and stretch (pray) often. This is done so we are properly prepared for the race and all of its obstacles. We understand that each runner isn’t running for the same prize. In fact, some runners may be a part of the race as a decoy or an imposter. These imposters can sabotage your race (Gal 5:7). They can directly affect your walk.  

But, don’t be discouraged the race organizer (GOD) is fully aware of these imposters and He is in full control. He also created the rules for the race. Furthermore, He has given the coach (Pastors) the rulebook (Bible). He has also provided us with a copy of the rulebook so we have what we need to run a successful race. Additionally, believers have a great advantage. The race organizer has provided His runners with a personal trainer (Jesus). This trainer knows all the rules, has run the race perfectly and didn’t falter when faced with pitfalls, temptations, and imposters. This trainer speaks directly to the race organizer on our behalf and also helps us when we stumble, fall, or want to quit. Although this personal trainer comes at a high price, the race organizer thought we were worth it! We have been provided everything we need to walk a walk worthy of the Lord and to run a successful race. So, how is your walk? Are you ready to run for the Lord?

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for giving us everything we need to walk a walk worthy of You. Thank you for providing us with the necessary equipment and training to run the Christian race. Forgive us, Father, for the times we disregard Your rulebook and the times we ignore the training and coaches You have sent our way. Thank you, for forgiving us when we decide to veer off the path. Thank you, for not cutting us from the team but instead You showed us grace and mercy. We acknowledge Your greatness, Your wisdom, and Your majesty. We would be lost without Your guidance and without Your Son, the ultimate personal trainer. Thank you for picking us for Your team and thank you for Your Son, Jesus Christ, who died on the cross for our sins. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

(by Patricia Towns)