Walking Like Jesus
“[W]hoever says he abides in [Jesus] ought to walk in the same way in which he walked.” 1 John 2:6 (ESV)
I enjoy walking, primarily for exercise, but also to connect with nature, meet neighbors, pray, and begin my day. I’m in good company among many walkers, including my 86‑year‑young mother‑in‑law who walks several miles every day. Impressive, right? Yet no one’s walk continually inspires, challenges, and motivates me like Jesus’s does. Yes, Jesus was a walker, not just in the way He moved, but in the way He lived. He walked out His mission fearlessly and faithfully. And as His followers, we’re called to walk—essentially to live—as He did (1 John 4:17). But what does this actually mean?
What This Means
Walking like Jesus is far more than simply knowing about Him. Many people do, yet not all follow Him. Walking like Jesus means imitating His character, compassionate, kind, merciful, and radically loving. It means adopting His rhythm, never hurried, worried, frazzled, or anxious. It means embracing His posture, humble, obedient, and fully surrendered to the Father’s will. And ultimately, it means living on mission with Him in this world by loving people passionately and sharing the Gospel faithfully.
How We Do This
We do this by slowing our pace enough to see—to truly see—people the way Jesus did, as infinitely valuable and precious to the Father. We do this by going out of our way to share truth and extend mercy. We do this by answering seekers’ questions with grace and truth. We do this by living sacrificially and willingly, with our hearts and hands open. And we do this by walking courageously into hard places to bring healing, restoration, and hope. Yet we never do this alone as it’s not possible. Instead, we do this by abiding in Jesus and trusting His Spirit to walk out His supernatural, abundant life through us.
When the Walk Is Hard
I think we’d all agree that sometimes our life journey is hard and walking, let alone walking like Jesus, can feel out of reach. It’s especially in these times that we need to look above our circumstances to what God has promised. The writer of Hebrews tells us how to do this:
“[By] keeping our eyes on Jesus… [who], because of the joy awaiting him, endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and now sits in the place of honor beside God’s throne.” Hebrews 12:2 (ESV)
Jesus is the prize. He is the treasure. He is our hope and our reason for walking. When our walk is hard, we need to remember that His walk was hard too. But ultimately, He walked out of death and back into life so we could know Him, love Him, and walk with Him forever. And my friends, this is not only good news, it’s the reason we walk.
So perhaps today, take a few moments in gratitude thanking God for sending Jesus, who walked for us, who walks with us, and who has entrusted us with the high and holy calling of representing Him in the world by walking as He did.
Pray
Jesus, I am honored that You’ve called me to walk in this world as You did. Sometimes I feel unworthy of this calling, but then You remind me that Your great love and perfect sacrifice have made me worthy of this walk. This is both humbling and completely amazing. Please empower me to walk my life path faithfully and purposefully, so that others can see how truly good and loving You are. Amen.
Reflect
• What is one practical step you can take today to align your walk more closely with the way Jesus walked?
• Who is someone Jesus may be calling you to walk toward or walk with in this season?
My friends, your thoughts matter! I’d love to hear from you. Consider sharing your responses in the comment section below!