The Walk of Faith

The Walk of Faith
Steps of Spiritual Growth 
Terry R. Baughman
“There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death” (Romans 8:1–2). 
A walk is a journey, a path, a direction, and an access to a destination. We may “take a walk” to clear our thinking, breathe in the fresh air, or get some exercise. Walking is a productive physical activity that stimulates blood flow, circulates oxygen, and it might get our heart rate high enough to count for some cardio benefit. 
Walking is also a productive spiritual activity. The Christ-walk is a walk of faith, the way of developing discipleship, and the opportunity to grow in our relationship with Him. The walk suggests movement, progression, step by step following after His perfect plan in our lives.
Paul wrote that those who are in Christ and walk according to the direction of the Spirit are free from condemnation and victorious in Jesus. In the epistle to the Galatian believers he wrote, “Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh” (Galatians 5:16). The secret to victorious Christian living and growth in discipleship comes when we forsake the path of fleshly desires and pursue Jesus and His Kingdom. 
From the initial call for discipleship, “Come, follow me,” to the journey down the Via Dolorosa on the way to the cross of Calvary, Jesus calls us to follow Him. His call was and is, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me” (Luke 9:23). This is a road of commitment, devotion, endurance and faith. 
Faith is the essential element that brought us to know Christ. “Without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him” (Hebrews 11:6). Paul said, “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17). That initial step of faith brings us into His path. Jesus is, “the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6).
We often speak of this life as a journey. That is an apt analogy for the progress of our life on the road of spiritual development. There are many conditions along the way. There are narrow passages, rough roads, steep climbs, and even some smooth traveling segments through the route. God’s Word provides direction and His Spirit promises guidance through every passage or turn we encounter. Our GPS is God’s Powerful Spirit working in us and through us to accomplish His great plan. 
As with any journey through life the only way to arrive is to keep going. If we stop along the way we will never reach our destination. Regardless of difficulties or challenges, the only way to finish the trip is to continue. The way of the Spirit is a walk of faith being led of the Holy spirit. The only way to the finish is to keep on walking!
Theme passage:
“For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food” (Romans 5:12).

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