What does it mean to walk with God? As we explore what it means to live out Colossians 1:10 – to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord – I think it makes sense to start by examining what it means to walk with God.

There are numerous references in scripture to walking with God. The first reference is found in Genesis 5:22, where we read that Enoch walked with God. This is then reiterated two verses later in Genesis 5:24. Enoch was the 6th generation after Adam and Eve.

While scripture says that God walked in the garden in the cool of the day, presumably like He had done routinely with Adam and Eve, here we learn that Enoch walked with God. At first glance there may not appear to be a difference between those two concepts, but I think there is an important, albeit subtle, distinction.

In the account of Adam and Eve, the Lord chose to come to them, to walk among them. He sought a relationship with them. What we see described of Enoch is that he sought to walk alongside God, to be in lockstep with God wherever He was going. Enoch sought a relationship with God.

Similarly, just one chapter later in Genesis 6:9, we read that Noah walked with God and we get a deeper clue as to what that means. We are told Noah was “a righteous man, blameless in his generation.” Scripture tells us Noah was blameless. While he was deemed blameless, he was not perfect. He sinned and made mistakes just like all other humans have done since Eve and Adam took their first bite of forbidden fruit. So, what does it mean to be blameless?

There are many clues in scripture, which we will explore in future posts. We will start with Psalm 86, verse 11 (ESV), which reads (emphasis is mine):

Teach me your way, O Lord,
    that I may walk in your truth;
    unite my heart to fear your name.

Psalm 86:11 (ESV) gives us the following indications of what it means to be blameless in our walk with God:

1.       Be teachable, intentionally seeking the Lord’s instruction.

2.       Recognize His Truth, which is His Word, and desire to live accordingly.

3.       Seek to unite our hearts with His in purity.

4.       Have a healthy fear (respect) for His name.

Notice God doesn’t expect us to be perfect. We are called to walk in a manner worthy, but we are not expected to be perfect. He knows we will stumble. Enoch, Noah, and the writer of this Psalm, King David, were not perfect either, but they sought to walk with Him. An important first step towards walking in a manner worthy is to intentionally seek a relationship with God.

How might you be intentional in your walk with the Lord this week? Take one fresh step in that direction, and I promise He will meet you there.