The Christian life has sometimes been compared to a spiritual pilgrimage; an onerous journey strewn with tests, trials and unforeseen obstacles encountered along the way. Scripture often uses the word “walk” in this context, which is totally understandable considering that the writers of these 66 books were all-too familiar with this practical mode of transport. The Lord Himself is estimated to have walked more than 3000 miles during His three-and-a-half-year ministry. A walk or pilgrimage, of whatever length or duration, necessitates a number of important prerequisites to ensure success.
Requirement #1: Light
But if anyone walks in the night, he stumbles, because the light is not in him (John 11:10, ESV).
Walking in the dark can be a most hazardous endeavor. It can result in becoming hopelessly lost, incurring serious injuries, or both. The reality for every person, whether Christian and non-Christian, is that life is spent in a domain of spiritual darkness, an evil world ruled by Satan (Col. 1:13). The only hope for a lighted pathway in this present age is the one provided by the Lord Jesus Christ, “the light of the world” (John 8:12).
Remarkably, Christ makes this light available to everyone (John 1:9). However, for the majority of people, it offers little attraction: “for men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds are evil” (John 3:19). For many, this light is merely the indistinct flicker of a distant candle, hardly bright enough to illuminate one’s pathway. Yet, even when seen only as a far-off glimmer, it still possesses the power to draw even the most desperately lost.
Followers of Christ have also been given the tremendous privilege of bringing light to this dark world. Jesus told His disciples, “You are the light of the world . . . let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in Heaven” (Matt. 5:14a, 16, ESV). Christians possess this light because, unlike unbelievers, the light of Christ is in them (John 11:10).
Scripture also makes it clear, however, that even God’s children can “forsake the paths of uprightness to walk in the ways of darkness” (Prov. 2:13, ESV). Jesus warned His own disciples to walk while the light was among them, lest darkness overtake them (John 12:35). He was not saying they were in danger of losing their salvation, but that by straying from the light of Christ they would no longer have Him to guide their footsteps or feel His comforting presence. “The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?” (Ps. 27:1a).
Requirement #2: Direction
Another essential requirement for such a journey is guidance or direction. Simply having a lighted pathway does not necessarily guarantee that one will take the correct route.
Again, Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness but will have the light of life” (John 8:12, ESV).
Jesus Himself acts as our guide. He is a light who moves ahead of us. Although His light does not illuminate all of the steps at once to our final destination, He asks us to trust His leadership for each and every step we take (Prov. 16:9). His Word assures us that His hand will guide us even when we come to a fork in the road (Isa. 30:21). However, determining the will of God for our lives requires effort, just as physically walking requires energy and purpose. The psalmist prayed, “Teach me your way, O LORD, that I may walk in your truth” (Ps. 86:11, ESV). We know from our student days that successfully acquiring knowledge is directly related to the diligence applied. This is also true when we seek to learn the ways of God through the pages of Scripture. Such an endeavor requires discipline as does maintaining a consistent prayer life. “Lead me in Your truth and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation…” (Ps. 25:5).
Requirement #3: Equipped
Preparing for a successful journey also requires equipping ourselves appropriately. We know from experience that undertaking a hike through rugged terrain demands the proper clothing, shoes, supplies, and equipment. In this regard, Paul offers a clever analogy for how followers of Christ might equip themselves with the complete armor of God for success (Eph. 6:13-18). Here are the seven items he recommends:
- loins girt about with truth
- the breastplate of righteousness
- feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace
- the shield of faith
- the helmet of salvation
- the sword of the Spirit (Word of God)
- + prayer
Each of these items offers assurance and protection for the traveler, as well as guiding principles for walking in a manner that pleases our Guide. Above all, it is essential to receive salvation through faith in Christ; only then can we live a life of righteousness, grounded in trust and extending peace to everyone we encounter on the journey. The list also reminds us of two essential tools for a successful journey: the Word of God and prayer.
Throughout Scripture, we find additional practical instructions on how we are called to walk, as seen in the words of the prophet Micah:
He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? (Mic. 6:8, ESV)
Justice, kindness, and humility are three virtues the Lord loves and honors in His pilgrims. He asks that we strive to be fair and kind in our dealings with others, and to have a humble heart before God so that we might be able to hear Him when He speaks to our spirit, “for we walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Cor. 5:7).
Conclusion
As pilgrims, we have been abundantly blessed to have our path illuminated by the light of Christ, who guides and equips us to face every obstacle along the way for “the night is far gone; the day is at hand. So then let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light” (Rom. 13:12, ESV).
Scripture speaks not only of walking with the Lord, but also of:
Standing for the Lord: Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil (Eph. 6:11).
Waiting for the Lord: My soul, wait silently for God alone, For my expectation is from Him (Ps. 62:5).
Being still before the Lord: Be still and know that I am God…(Ps. 46:10).
Running for the Lord: “let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith” (Heb. 12:1b-2a). As one’s faith grows stronger, our Guide may gradually quicken the pace so that more ground can be covered, “for the coming of the Lord is at hand” (Jam. 5:8b). Paul, however, also cautions us not to run aimlessly (1 Cor. 9:24-26), but to remain mindful of staying within the Savior’s will, and not getting sidelined by secondary issues.