Love The Walk

Many people choose to walk for exercise but in the heat we are now experiencing, walking isn't so lovely. In days-gone-by when I walked five miles a day, I found it so much more pleasant to walk with a friend. Ephesians 5:1-2 NASB says, "Be imitators of God, as beloved children; and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma." Being imitators of God - living Christ-like - was never meant to be boring nor burdensome! Too many times obedience to Jesus' teachings is described as merely a list of do-this and don't-do-that. Well, I admit there are indeed things we do and don't do but it's not a checklist; obedience actually makes the journey joyful! As we mimic God and His righteous characteristics, we are walking in love as Jesus did, and there is an unspeakable joy. The psalmist described it like this: [God] You make known to me the path of life; in Your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore." (Psalm 16:11 ESV). That fullness of joy resonates deeply in the soul! Those who genuinely love Jesus will walk in love and they will ... love the walk!