Ephesians 5. There are many things we could discuss as we work our way through Ephesians, but the word “walk” is on my mind. Yesterday we reflected on the exhortation to walk in a manner worthy of our calling (4:1) and Paul reminded us that we must no longer walk as the gentiles do (4:17). The call is to put off your old self, be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and put on the new self (4:22-24).

Did you notice the command to walk again in Ephesians 5?

Paul starts Ephesians 5 with the command to be imitators of God, as beloved children, and walk in love as Christ loved us (5:1-2). The walk in love command contextually follows the end of Ephesians 4 which is about using kind words, setting aside bitterness and anger, letting go of slander, being kind to one another, tenderhearted, and forgiving – as God has forgiven us. We are called to walk in love towards other people.

Then Paul continues for at one time you were darkness but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (5:8). The contrast between light and darkness follows in the contrasting themes of the way of the world and the way of the kingdom that is prevalent in Paul’s writings (Colossians 3). The command to walk as children of the light contextually follows as list of behaviors that Christians are not to participate in – sexual immorality, impurity, improper joking, covetousness, etc. We are called to take no part in unfruitful works of darkness but rather expose them (or should we say “coldplay” them?).

Finally, Paul admonishes Christians to look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of time (5:15). We are called not to be foolish, but to be careful and to encourage others to walk in a way that is pleasing to God.

As for me, I walk everyday as part of my exercise and mental health regime. I put my tennis shoes on, grab my keys and my headphones, and I go out the front door. Then I have a decision to make: Which way should I walk? I can go to the right through the park and along Beach Drive, I can go to the left through the marina and along the neighborhood, or I can go into the gym and walk on the treadmill if it’s 100+ degrees outside or about to pour rain. Every day I decide, which way should I walk? I am making an intentional choice. Even if I stay home on the couch, I have still made a choice. That choice might feel insignificant today, it’s a simple thing – but day after day I am making a choice and building a pattern that will have an impact on how I live long-term. Blessed is the one who walks not in the counsel of the wicked… but his delight is in the law of the Lord (Psalm 1:1-2).

Look carefully how you walk – walk in love, walk as children of the light.

What choices are you making today about how you walk?