If we have truly received Christ himself in our innermost hearts, then our new life will show this intimate acquaintance with him through a walk of faith. And mark this well: walking means action. Our religion must not be confined to the prayer closet. We must carry out into practical effect that which we believe.

If someone walks in Christ, then they act as Christ would act. Why? Because Christ is in them—their hope, their love, their joy, their very life. They become a living reflection of Jesus, and people notice. "Look at that one," they say. "He is like his Master. She lives like Jesus Christ."

But walking means more than action. It means progress. "So walk ye in him!" Proceed from grace to grace. Run forward! Press on until you reach the uttermost degree of knowledge that any human can attain concerning our Beloved.

Walking also means continuance. There must be a perpetual abiding in Christ. How many Christians think they ought to come into the company of Jesus in the morning and evening, then give their hearts to the world all the day? This is poor living! We should always be with him, treading in his steps, doing his will.

And walking implies habit. When we speak of someone's "walk and conversation," we mean their habits—the constant tenor of their life. Listen: if you sometimes enjoy Christ and then forget him, sometimes call him yours and then lose your hold, that is not a habit. That is not walking in him. We must keep to him. Cling to him. Never let him go. Live and have our being in him.

"As you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him." Persevere in the same way in which you have begun. As at the first Christ Jesus was the trust of your faith, the source of your life, the principle of your action, and the joy of your spirit, so let him be the same till life's end. The same when you walk through the valley of the shadow of death. The same when you enter into the joy and the rest which remain for the people of God.

O Holy Spirit, enable us to obey this heavenly precept.