January 1, 2025 | Dan Low

Living in SoCal, we enjoy the great outdoors year-round with walks in our neighborhood, along the strand, on a trail, or at a nearby park. I recently purchased a 12-pound weighted vest that literally adds more to my morning walks. We could also get our steps at the mall or on a treadmill. If we have a numerical goal in mind (steps or miles), we usually opt for the stairs over the elevator and also park farther away.

With all the sumptuous dining during the holidays, we are happy to step out for a walk with loved ones. A quick search reveals five benefits of walking after eating (Doctors Hospital of Augusta): regulates blood sugar, improves digestion, lowers blood pressure, burns calories, and elevates our mood. Along with these physical benefits, stepping out with others paves the way for meaningful conversations.

When Spirit-influenced writers like Paul and John apply the gospel to everyday life, they use the language of walking (e.g., Ephesians 4:1: I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called; and 1 John 1:7: But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.).

Walking pictures our collective responsibility as God’s children. Since we are now light in the Lord, we ought to walk as children of light (Ephesians 5:8). God calls us to be who we are as his beloved children set apart for holiness. Much more than being a smart church with good theology, we endeavor to be a Christlike family with godly actions (evident in the footprints we leave behind).

Walking requires our daily reliance on God’s Spirit. We are able to walk in a worthy manner and walk in the light through the Spirit’s empowering presence. Writing to the Galatians who started well, but are in jeopardy of veering away from the gospel of God’s grace, Paul issues this command: “But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh” (5:16). As individual believers and members together, the Spirit enables us to conquer our fleshly battles and display his supernatural power.

So while we venture out for a brisk walk, let’s thank God for pouring out his Spirit to strengthen and direct our steps as followers of Jesus.