Walking in the Way of Love
Back in the 90’s my mom got a small pedometer to attach to her belt to track her steps. As a nurse, it was easy enough for her to get a decent amount of steps in her day, but her minimum goal was 10,000. I can remember her checking it every evening, and if she didn’t feel it was accurate, or she had forgotten to wear it when going for a walk, she would sit there and shake it until the number aligned with her perception of what it ought to say. Fast forward 30 years, and we have step trackers as apps on our phones. Often my fitness app prompts me to “close the circle,” but I don’t always have my phone on me when I’m walking throughout my day. However, I do find it deeply satisfying whenever I hit my step goal for the day!
In the book of Ephesians, Paul challenges the church to consider the way in which they walk through their lives. More accurately, he invites them to evaluate their ways of being, because each “step” matters! This refers both to where and how they walk. In Eph 4:1 Paul urges the believer to “live a life worthy of the calling you have received.” He details how to do this through the rest of chapter 4, so that the believers may grow in maturity and unity, able to face the diverse circumstances, relationships, and challenges they will encounter in their daily lives. I encourage you to take 5 minutes to read Ephesians 4.
Each day, you also may walk into situations, relationships, and challenges that require you to consider how to faithfully and graciously live a life worthy of your calling. Your steps matter. No matter how well you prepare ahead of time, some circumstances and people can be difficult to navigate. And sometimes, you may walk into situations you feel completely unprepared for. Paul gives us a guiding statement to direct our paths in Eph 5:1–2:
“Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”
First, remember who you are. You are a dearly loved child of God. Second, look to the example of Christ. He also faced challenging and complex situations and people, and chose to do so with humility and love. The calling of every believer is to follow him—to do as he did and live as he lived. Third, walk in the way of love. Know that the Holy Spirit is with you; he will guide and empower you to walk with love. You can trust him!
