I like the word “walk.” A walk is not only a way to get to a destination, but also a way to feel more alive and in touch with your surroundings. A walk slows down life and gives time to think. I like to walk; I like to walk with someone. I wish I walked more. A walk is a great word picture of the Christian life. Paul used the word when he made the goal for his readers’ lives clear, “so that you would walk in a manner worthy of the God who calls you” (1 Thessalonians 2:12, NASB; see also Eph. 4:1; Philip. 1:27; Col. 1:10).  

What is a worthy walk? Paul’s letters are full of instructions for how Christ followers should live; what they should and shouldn’t do. I find it interesting that the apostle who so strongly put forth salvation by grace through faith alone (Ephesians 2:8-9; Romans 3:20-24) would urge those he worked with to do, and not do, so many things. A careful reading of the New Testament will show us that we cannot earn our salvation and forgiveness of sin by what we do and don’t do. Only the substitutionary death of Christ on the cross to provide a payment for the guilt of our sin is sufficient. Only transferring our trust fully from what we do to what Christ has done (faith) will bring what He has done to bear on our failed record. That’s what Easter is all about.  

So, where does the “worthy walk” come in? As I thought about this, I realized that a worthy walk is how I show the Lord that He didn’t waste His death on the cross to rescue me from the condemnation I earned!  It is how to say thank you. It is how I show appreciation for His grace. When I “walk worthy” He gets the credit for how my life is being changed for good. He gets the joy of seeing that His sacrifice was worth it when my walk reflects the pattern of life that He put forth. Will my walk ever be perfect? Nope. But that’s why the message of the cross and forgiveness is always relevant. The message of the cross displaces pride, and shame; it fosters humility, gratefulness, and hope. Easter 2021 is over, but the importance of what it means and celebrates should carry on in our walk. How about slowing down, getting in touch with your surroundings, thinking about your destination, and walking with the One who invites you?   

— Reflections appears regularly on the religion page. The column features a variety of local writers, coordinated through the Monroe Area Clergy Group. Dan Krahenbuhl is pastor of Monroe Bible Church.