The Beautiful Long Walk

Scripture:

Eph. 2:¹⁰ For we are what he has made us, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand to be our way of life.

Observation:

The beautiful tapestry of God’s creation includes each and every single human being. We are as creatively produced as the lyrics of a poem or the chords of an orchestral tune which brings one to tears. Intentionality on the part of God to create humanity in the very image and likeness of the Creator means that we reflect Christ in our actions. God has prepared a pathway for our lives, a way in which we are to walk, day in and day out. This way of life, in the Greek is really the walk, and it’s a way in which we will walk for the remainder of our lives. Once we are “in Christ Jesus,” then we live a restored life, in the image of God, in which we remain on the pathway of new life, until we come to the end of the journey. It is a beautiful long walk, as God’s creativity is experienced along the way. 

Application:

Salvation is never by works, but it’s interesting how quickly the author of the Epistle brings up the need for good works. That moment in which our lives are transformed is dramatic. The entire trajectory of life is changed and suddenly we find ourselves on a new pathway, and this one that is already prepared for us. 

We live near a beautiful big park where our family loves to go on walks. Every time we have gone we have taken a different path or trail. I’ve been trying to get my husband to try out the large paved bike/walking path and see where it goes, for I understand it leads you for miles and miles. Instead, we seem to get sidetracked by trying out the first little path that we see. We have ended up on two rocky trails that lead through the forest. While it’s beautiful, I’m never quite sure where we are going to end up. Also, I worry about twisting my ankle. I keep pointing out to my husband that in the distance I see a beautiful asphalt covered walkway that seems to lead across beautiful hills for miles. I’d like to try out that place sometime! 

God has creatively prepared a pathway for us, and invites us to take a walk together with him. It’s a beautiful journey that may lead to places that we would never have imagined. Along the way we are to practice the good works of Jesus Christ. The path may not always be smooth, but it will take us to the places where they need to experience Jesus. Throughout life we are to keep on walking — never stopping. 

For those who would like to simply stop and say that we have done our time, we are missing the mark. This walking is to be our way of life. Touching the world in her deepest needs is to be a way of life. Continual spiritual growth and movement in the direction of Jesus is to be the norm. The result is a life in Christ that is a beautiful, long walk. 

Prayer:

Lord, I want to keep walking on your pathway today.  Amen.