Let Us Walk Properly

Let us walk properly, as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts. (Romans 13:13-14)

Walking "properly" - (decorously, decently, in a seemly manner, beautifully, modestly, with charm and winsomeness). We are to walk in the light and in a manner which God displayed in Christ. Ours is to be a life of integrity, transparency, and righteousness. We are instructed to put off carelessness, recklessness, unseemly and indecent behavior, as well as ugly and offensive speech to one another. We are to "put on" Jesus Christ, walk in the Spirit, and remove all vestiges of the self-centered life we once lived. The Lord dwells in us to help us do all these things. Hallelujah!

The most prominent characteristic of the church of Jesus Christ is the love we show one another, and that is how we should be known. Thus, the true church is called to be the safest and most loving family on earth. Any church where sin and corruption exist and persist is not the church, but a counterfeit; and the same is true of those who call themselves Christians. The church is the Body of Christ, therefore, it is not an organization, denomination, or affinity group. We are the actual representation of the Man Jesus; and if the world is going to see God, they will see Him in us, His children. That is why our speech and behavior are to be beyond reproach, and we are to be a blessing and refreshment to all. No, we are not sin-less, but we are sin-free; free to walk in a way that glorifies the Lord for all the world to see.  

. . . the Lord appeared to Abram and said to him, "I am Almighty God; walk before Me and be blameless." (Genesis 17:1)

Let's Pray - Father, teach us to walk uprightly and in the fear of the Lord. We must "put on" Jesus, and He must be the preeminent feature of our lives. Lead us in the way, in Jesus' name, Amen.