Walking in Christ: Leaving the Right Footprints
Every step you take leaves behind a trace. This truth applies not only to forensic science but to our spiritual lives as well. As believers, we’re constantly leaving footprints that either point people toward Christ or away from Him. The question isn’t whether we’re leaving traces – it’s what kind of imprint we’re making.
What Does It Mean to Imitate God?
Paul begins Ephesians 5 with a powerful command: “Therefore be imitators of God as beloved children.” The word “imitator” comes from the same root as our English words “mime” or “mimic” – it means to look like, sound like, and act like someone else.
In a culture that constantly tells us to “be your own person,” Paul challenges us to set our standards higher. If we’re going to imitate anyone, why not imitate God Himself? This isn’t about losing our identity; it’s about finding our true identity in Christ.
How Do We Walk in Love?
The first step in our Christian walk is learning to walk in love. But this isn’t just any kind of love – it’s the same love that Christ demonstrated when He gave Himself as a sacrifice for us.
Christ’s Love as Our Example
Romans 5:8 tells us that “God demonstrated His love for us, that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” This sacrificial love became a “fragrant aroma” to God – a pleasing sacrifice that paid the price for our sin.
When we walk in love, we demonstrate this same selfless, sacrificial attitude toward others. It affects both how we live and how we speak.
What Walking in Love Looks Like
Paul gives us two practical lists to help us understand what walking in love means:
1. Things that shouldn’t characterize our lives:
- Sexual immorality
- Impurity
- Greed
- Filthy talk
- Foolish conversation
- Vulgar joking
2. What should characterize us instead:
- Thanksgiving
- Pure conversation
- Words that build up rather than tear down
Paul emphasizes that these negative behaviors shouldn’t even be mentioned among believers. It’s not just that we shouldn’t do them – they shouldn’t even be part of our conversation or thoughts.
How Do We Walk in Light?
The second step is walking in light. Paul makes a striking statement: “You were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord.” Notice he doesn’t say we were “in” darkness – we actually were darkness itself. But now, in Christ, we are light.
The Transformation from Darkness to Light
This transformation is complete and permanent. We’re no longer darkness trying to act like light – we are light. Therefore, we should walk according to our new nature.
When we walk in light, several things happen:
The fruit of light appears in our lives:
- Goodness
- Righteousness
- Truth
We learn what pleases the Lord and actively pursue those things rather than returning to our old, useless deeds of darkness.
We expose darkness simply by being who we are in Christ. Light naturally exposes darkness wherever it goes.
How Do We Walk in Wisdom?
The third and perhaps most complex step is walking in wisdom. Paul gives us the command: “Be careful how you walk, not as unwise people, but as wise.”
Five Characteristics of Walking in Wisdom
1. We’re Careful with Our Time
Paul tells us to make the most of our time because “the days are evil.” Time is one of our most precious resources – once it’s gone, it never comes back. Walking in wisdom means being intentional about how we use the 24 hours, 1,440 minutes, and 86,400 seconds God gives us each day.
2. We Understand God’s Will
Wisdom means knowing and doing God’s will. We discover God’s will through:
- Reading God’s Word
- Prayer and seeking God’s guidance
- Following the Spirit’s leading
- Doing the last thing we knew was God’s will
3. We’re Careful About What Controls Us
Paul contrasts being drunk with wine (which leads to debauchery) with being filled with the Spirit. The question isn’t whether something will control us – it’s what will control us. Will we allow substances, emotions, or circumstances to control us, or will we be filled with and controlled by God’s Spirit?
4. We Practice Consistent Worship
This doesn’t mean we’re constantly singing hymns, but rather that our minds and conversations are filled with worshipful thoughts. Instead of defaulting to crankiness and complaints, we train our minds to think about God’s goodness, His Word, and reasons for praise.
5. We Show Gratitude and Submission
Walking in wisdom means “always giving thanks for all things” and being willing to “submit to one another in the fear of Christ.” This doesn’t mean we’re happy about every circumstance, but we can maintain a grateful heart because we trust God’s sovereignty. It also means we don’t always have to be first or have our way.
Why Does Our Walk Matter?
Every contact leaves a trace. This principle from forensic science applies perfectly to our spiritual lives. Every interaction we have, every step we take in our Christian journey, leaves behind evidence of what we truly believe.
The question we must ask ourselves is: What kind of traces are we leaving? Do our footprints point people toward Christ or away from Him? Are we leaving behind evidence of God’s transforming grace in our lives?
Life Application
This week, commit to being more intentional about the spiritual footprints you’re leaving behind. Choose one of the three areas – love, light, or wisdom – that you need to focus on most.
If you need to walk more in love, practice speaking words that build up rather than tear down. If you need to walk more in light, actively pursue what pleases the Lord and avoid returning to old patterns. If you need to walk more in wisdom, be more intentional with your time and allow God’s Spirit to control your responses rather than your circumstances.
Questions for Reflection:
- What kind of spiritual footprints am I leaving in my family, workplace, and community?
- Which area – walking in love, light, or wisdom – do I most need to develop?
- What specific changes do I need to make this week to better imitate God in my daily life?
- Am I allowing God’s Spirit to control me, or am I being controlled by other influences?
Remember, every step you take leaves a trace. Make sure your traces point others to the transforming power of Jesus Christ.
