[February 18th, 1866.]
Walk is a word frequently used in the Scriptures in a figurative sense to denote the characteristic mode of life, as walking in the flesh, in the Spirit, walking after the manner of the world, &c. Walking with any one expresses a uniform and intimate fellowship or communion with him. It has this sense when the Bible speaks of our walking with God. This presupposes, first, that God is a person. Without that, personal communion with him would be impossible. It is therefore important that we should habitually think of him under this aspect. This is not inconsistent with his being infinite, immutable and eternal.
Secondly, it presupposes that this person is accessible to us, can hear and communicate with us. We may believe in the personality of Gabriel, but we cannot walk with him. We may believe in the continued personal existence of departed saints, and of our own friends, but we cannot walk with them. We may cherish their memory. Our hearts may frequently go out after them. But this is a matter of feeling. There is no real intercourse.
Thirdly, it presupposes reconciliation. How “can two walk together except they be agreed?” This reconciliation with God, which is the necessary condition of our walking with him, includes justification and sanctification. He must cease to regard us as under the sentence of his law, and we must have congeniality of mind with him. All these preliminaries, or antecedent conditions may be admitted, and may be pre sent, and yet God and we be comparative strangers. This walking with God is a rare and high attainment, as it implies more than casual or occasional intercourse. There is all the difference between the intercourse of ordinary Christians with God and habitual walking with him, that there is between an occasional intercourse, however agreeable, with a man whom we meet occasionally, and our daily communion with an intimate friend, or member of our own family. Walking with God, therefore, means uniform, habitual communion with him. This includes, 1. An abiding sense of his presence. 2. An abiding sense of his favor. 3. A constant outgoing of our thoughts and feelings towards him. 4. A constant address, or direction of our desires to him for guidance, for assistance, for consolation. 5. An expectation and experience of his response. Communion cannot be one-sided. There must be conversation, address and answer. God does thus commune with us. He reveals himself to his people as he does not unto the world. He assures them of his love. He awakens in them confidence in his promises. He brings those promises to their minds, and gives them the power of response. These promises become his answers to their requests. And they experience a renewal of faith, love, zeal, etc., which is the manifestation of his presence with the soul. This is not imaginary. It is real. It is not enthusiasm. It does not suppose anything miraculous, no responses by voice, no unintelligent impulses; but the consciousness of the presence of the Infinite Spirit with our spirits; the conviction that he hears and answers us. We have probably all seen examples of this walking with God, men (as John S. Newbold) who lived in habitual communion with God through Christ.
The effects of this walking with God are,
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Raising the soul into a higher sphere, above the passions and sins which disturb the mind, above the cares and anxieties of the world.
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The rapid growth of the soul in grace.
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A peace of mind which passes all understanding.
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It invests the man with a halo of holiness, which is unmistakable and potent.
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It renders him fit for all service and all trials. The means.
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We must, as already said, be justified and reconciled.
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We must avoid all known sin.
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We must not only seek fellowship with God in the closet, but also keep him constantly before us all the day.
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We must constantly address him, asking his guidance and support, and referring everything to him.
← 167. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord. 1 Cor. 15:58 · Contents · 169. Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.—Col. 4:5 →