As you have therefore received Christ, [even] Jesus the Lord, [so] walk (regulate your lives and conduct yourselves) in union with and conformity to Him. Colossians 2:6 (Amplified)
Each person is to seek to make his or her entire life a walk with Christ. To accomplish that, however, one must learn to walk four roads.
1. There is the Damascus Road – the road of conversion. Saul, whose name was later changed to Paul, was on his way to Damascus. He had recently seen Stephen die for his faith in Christ and doubtless he realized that Stephen had found something that he, Saul, had missed. As he journeyed along, he suddenly felt the Spirit of Christ. Christ said to him, “Why do you persecute me?” [Acts 9:4] After that encounter with the risen Lord, Saul’s life was determined by the will of Christ.
To others, their experience of conversion might not come in a dramatic fashion like Saul’s did. How and when it comes is not most important, it is a person’s sincere repentance and obedience that is important. To walk with Christ, one must reach the point of commitment to Christ’s will.
2. We must learn to walk the Jericho Road – the road of service. On that road there lay a man who was wounded and needed help. Some came that way, but passed by on the other side. One man stopped and helped. Speaking of the one who helped, Jesus said, “Go and do likewise.” [Luke 10:37]
Some people walk the road of self-interest. But Christ is not found on that road. To walk with Him, we must remember His words, “I am among you as one who serves.” [Luke 22:27] In order to walk with Christ, one must surrender his selfishness.
3. There is the Calvary Road – the road of suffering. Christ could have escaped this road but had He done so, He would not have been the Savior and we would be without hope. Suffering is part of the portion of living and in order to walk with Christ we must not only bear the sorrow, we must so use the sorrow as to make a blessing.
Jesus tells us
4. There is the Emmaus Road – the road of fellowship. As two disciples walked together one day, the Lord joined in step with them. They later recognized Him as He broke bread in their home. As a result of that experience, they learned that Christ was on every road they walked; He was in their home. He was with them whatever they were doing. They realized His daily presence, His wonderful power and love.
We won’t walk with Christ unless we realize that He is with us at all times. Being conscious of His presence will help us to walk with Him instead of away from Him or ahead of Him, or far behind Him. His companionship along the way is such a strong motivation for us to keep in step with Him.
I trust you have walked the Damascus Road. If not, give me a call today and let’s get you on that road! Having traveled the Damascus Road, Christian, is just the beginning. Will you make a new commitment today top also travel with the Lord on the Jericho, Calvary, and Emmaus Roads? If you want to be close to Jesus that is where He is traveling.
On the Roads Again – Pastor Steve