The pace of grace

Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.  –Galatians 5:25 (NIV)
 
I like to take walks with my 3-yr-old grandson. Sometimes he sees something interesting and we slow down to investigate. Sometimes I get a few feet ahead and he hustles to catch up. We hold hands when we cross the street. He trusts Pop to keep him safe and he knows Pop is going to take him to the good places. What if my walk with the Spirit was more like that?
 
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, purifies us from all sin.  –1 John 1:7 (NIV)
 
The Bible repeatedly describes life in terms of walking. There are warnings about walking in dark places, or with a bad crowd. There are encouragements about walking in the light, keeping good company, and staying close to our guide. But why a walk?
 
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?  –Micah 6:8 (ESV)
 
Walking happens at a pace that gives me a chance to observe, to discern, to appreciate, to interact, and to listen to the One I am following. The Christian life is more about being than doing. As I walk with the Lord, the next step becomes clearer and many of the things that seemed threatening or confusing have a way of working themselves out. Even when they don’t, I have a faithful guide Who knows the way.
 
Listen, my son, accept what I say, and the years of your life will be many.
I instruct you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths.
When you walk, your steps will not be hampered; when you run, you will not stumble.
Hold on to instruction, do not let it go; guard it well, for it is your life.  –Proverbs 4:10-13 (NIV)
 
In a world that seems to get more stupidly wicked by the day (or is it wickedly stupid?), I find myself tempted in one of two directions: I want to stop or I want to run. By stopping, I mean losing hope, hunkering down and waiting for the end. By running, I mean bowing up, cursing the darkness and lashing out. Jesus avoided those extremes; Jesus was a walker. I wanna walk with Him.
 
For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light.  –Ephesians 5:8 (NKJV)