Issue 760 – The Walk – May 30, 2022
I enjoy watching the people when I go to an airport, a mall or a coffee shop. It is always interesting to speculate about the people based on how they walk.
Some strut past arrogantly, they have important business, and no one should get in their way. Others seem to slide by as if they wished to remain invisible. Still, others skulk by as if they were up to some ne’r-do-well task.
Some people seem to be rushing through life almost at a dead run, while others poke along as if they had nothing but time. Gang bangers and their wannabe friends have their own brand of “don’t mess with me or else” stroll.
Some people walk by in the fullness of their carefree youth, while some senior citizens may struggle over each step.
Authors and filmmakers can get a lot of mileage from how they make their characters walk. John Wayne had his slightly bow-legged cowboy amble. The Pink Panther had his peculiar shuffle step. Forest Gump had his childhood limp. Long John Silver had his peg leg. Think Fred Astaire and his dance steps.
There are two-year-olds with their toddle. We can hear the pitter-patter of little feet, but sometimes those same little feet can sound like herds of rampaging elephants.
A father might pace the delivery room. Sadly, the aging guard and the padre escort a condemned prisoner to his fate.
The boy trudged home with a note from his teacher. She slogged home through the slush after a hard day’s work. The hunter stalked his prey. The ladies promenaded with their new bonnets.
We can slink, skulk, and strut. We can amble and mosey. We can advance, hold ground or retreat. We can walk softly or be worried by heavy footsteps behind us. We can scuff along. The list of possibilities seems almost endless.
When Kathy and I visited South Africa on a ministry trip some years ago, I was told that the Zulu people have more than 100 words to convey walking. I cannot confirm the number but have no reason to doubt its veracity. There are words for crouching as if hunting a lion, walking proudly, etc.
There is another walk that we need to be concerned with. It is our faith walk, our journey through this life. The way we display our faith in our own lives impacts our attitudes and often the people’s responses around us.
We are called to display the light of Jesus Christ in our lives for others to see.
You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet.
You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. Matthew 5:3-16
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth. Acts 1:8
By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.
John 13:35
Can people see your love for Jesus in the way you respond to life? Can they see your hope and trust when faced with difficult circumstances? Can they sense your love for them in Christ?
I don’t mean do you put on a plastic churchy smile. Do you live a life of faith during the ups and downs, and are you trusting God no matter what comes? Are you authentic in your faith walk? What are you like when your theology hits a rough spot in the road of daily living?
None of us can do that perfectly and certainly not at all without the Holy Spirit at work,
Until next time, have a look at your walk. It says a great deal that words might never convey.
Hallelu Yah (Praise God)
Be blessed.
Kevin.
Gleanings From The Word.
Experience an extraordinary God in ordinary life.
Soli Deo Gloria (for the glory of God alone.)
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Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture references are from the English Standard Version (ESV). Spelling modified to Canadian English as required.
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