Tyler Moore | Student Pastor, FBC Loganville
The Reality of Walking with Jesus
Walking with Jesus is more than just a concept: it's a way of life. In the American church, however, there seems to be a disconnect between the idea of walking with Jesus and actually living it out. This article explores the reality of walking with Jesus, the challenges faced by the American church, and the invitation to truly follow in the footsteps of Christ.
The Value of Walking with Jesus
The American church often prioritizes maintaining an image over truly being Christ-like to the world. Instead of embracing the practical application of walking with Jesus, we settle for clean sandals while our feet should be dirty from journeying alongside Him. This highlights our selfish nature and the need to repent and let go of our westernized version of following Jesus.
Following Jesus' Example
To understand how kindness can continue, we need to look to Jesus as our ultimate example. We are called to live like Him, love like Him, and make Him the center of our lives. This invitation to walk with Him is not meant to be complicated but rather a simple principle to follow. Jesus beckons us to apprentice under Him, to learn His ways, and to be His representatives to those we encounter.
The Diminished Value of Salvation
One of the issues facing the church today is the diminishing value of salvation. Many have traded transformation for a mere transaction, reducing it to a handful of words without true obedience. This is an indictment on the church as a whole, as we have failed to emphasize the importance of walking with Jesus and growing to be more like Him. Jesus desires for us to fully embrace His transformative power and allow Him to shape us day in and day out.
The Invitation to Walk with Jesus
The invitation to walk with Jesus is not limited to certain seasons or circumstances. It extends to every aspect of our lives, regardless of the ups and downs. From the very beginning, God's intention for humanity was to walk with Him, to be in a relationship with Him, and to experience His love and guidance throughout our lives.
The Importance of Relationship
Walking with Jesus is about entering into a deep and meaningful relationship with Him. It's not just about knowing about Him, but truly knowing Him intimately. This requires a willingness to surrender our own desires and align ourselves with His will. It means allowing Him to transform us from the inside out and molding us into His image.
Partnering with Jesus for Change
As we walk with Jesus, we become active participants in His work of bringing about change in the world. Just as Adam and Eve were placed in the garden to work alongside God, we, too, are called to link arms with Jesus and join Him in His mission. Our lives, decisions, and obedience matter. We have the privilege of being part of something greater than ourselves.
Embracing the Journey
Walking with Jesus is not always easy. It requires sacrifice, humility, and a willingness to let go of our own agenda. It means embracing the journey, both the joys and the challenges. But as we walk with Jesus, we experience His faithfulness, His grace, and His transformative power. It is through the journey of walking with Him that we are truly able to grow and be transformed.
Overcoming Cultural Influences
In the American church, it's easy to get caught up in cultural influences that can distract us from the true essence of walking with Jesus. We must be willing to let go of our Americanized version of following Him and return to the way He showed us. This requires a shift in mindset and a willingness to challenge the status quo.
The Impact of Walking with Jesus
When we truly walk with Jesus, the world around us begins to change. Our lives become a testimony of His love, grace, and power. The impact we have on others is not based on our own abilities or accomplishments, but on the transformation that takes place within us as we surrender to Him. Walking with Jesus is not just about personal growth, but about becoming agents of change in a broken world.
Conclusion
Walking with Jesus is not just a religious concept, but a call to a transformative and intimate relationship with the Son of God. The reality of walking with Jesus goes beyond mere words or appearances. It requires a commitment to follow Him, to learn from Him, and to allow Him to shape us into His likeness. As we embrace this reality and walk with Him, our lives become a living testimony of His love and grace, and we become catalysts for change in the world around us. So let us heed the invitation to walk with Jesus, to get our feet dirty, and to partner with Him in His redemptive work.
Walking with Jesus is more than just a concept: it's a way of life. In the American church, however, there seems to be a disconnect between the idea of walking with Jesus and actually living it out. This article explores the reality of walking with Jesus, the challenges faced by the American church, and the invitation to truly follow in the footsteps of Christ.
The Value of Walking with Jesus
The American church often prioritizes maintaining an image over truly being Christ-like to the world. Instead of embracing the practical application of walking with Jesus, we settle for clean sandals while our feet should be dirty from journeying alongside Him. This highlights our selfish nature and the need to repent and let go of our westernized version of following Jesus.
Following Jesus' Example
To understand how kindness can continue, we need to look to Jesus as our ultimate example. We are called to live like Him, love like Him, and make Him the center of our lives. This invitation to walk with Him is not meant to be complicated but rather a simple principle to follow. Jesus beckons us to apprentice under Him, to learn His ways, and to be His representatives to those we encounter.
The Diminished Value of Salvation
One of the issues facing the church today is the diminishing value of salvation. Many have traded transformation for a mere transaction, reducing it to a handful of words without true obedience. This is an indictment on the church as a whole, as we have failed to emphasize the importance of walking with Jesus and growing to be more like Him. Jesus desires for us to fully embrace His transformative power and allow Him to shape us day in and day out.
The Invitation to Walk with Jesus
The invitation to walk with Jesus is not limited to certain seasons or circumstances. It extends to every aspect of our lives, regardless of the ups and downs. From the very beginning, God's intention for humanity was to walk with Him, to be in a relationship with Him, and to experience His love and guidance throughout our lives.
The Importance of Relationship
Walking with Jesus is about entering into a deep and meaningful relationship with Him. It's not just about knowing about Him, but truly knowing Him intimately. This requires a willingness to surrender our own desires and align ourselves with His will. It means allowing Him to transform us from the inside out and molding us into His image.
Partnering with Jesus for Change
As we walk with Jesus, we become active participants in His work of bringing about change in the world. Just as Adam and Eve were placed in the garden to work alongside God, we, too, are called to link arms with Jesus and join Him in His mission. Our lives, decisions, and obedience matter. We have the privilege of being part of something greater than ourselves.
Embracing the Journey
Walking with Jesus is not always easy. It requires sacrifice, humility, and a willingness to let go of our own agenda. It means embracing the journey, both the joys and the challenges. But as we walk with Jesus, we experience His faithfulness, His grace, and His transformative power. It is through the journey of walking with Him that we are truly able to grow and be transformed.
Overcoming Cultural Influences
In the American church, it's easy to get caught up in cultural influences that can distract us from the true essence of walking with Jesus. We must be willing to let go of our Americanized version of following Him and return to the way He showed us. This requires a shift in mindset and a willingness to challenge the status quo.
The Impact of Walking with Jesus
When we truly walk with Jesus, the world around us begins to change. Our lives become a testimony of His love, grace, and power. The impact we have on others is not based on our own abilities or accomplishments, but on the transformation that takes place within us as we surrender to Him. Walking with Jesus is not just about personal growth, but about becoming agents of change in a broken world.
Conclusion
Walking with Jesus is not just a religious concept, but a call to a transformative and intimate relationship with the Son of God. The reality of walking with Jesus goes beyond mere words or appearances. It requires a commitment to follow Him, to learn from Him, and to allow Him to shape us into His likeness. As we embrace this reality and walk with Him, our lives become a living testimony of His love and grace, and we become catalysts for change in the world around us. So let us heed the invitation to walk with Jesus, to get our feet dirty, and to partner with Him in His redemptive work.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Tyler Moore
Tyler is the high school pastor at FBC Loganville. Tyler and his wife, Becca, have been at FBCL since 2019. They have two little girls, Lilah Grace and Ellie Kate. Tyler loves helping others apply scripture to their lives and walk well with Jesus. Some of his favorite things are: good coffee, playing disc golf, family time, and devouring brisket nachos from Smokey Gringo.