Pastor Rob Bray | 4-26-2026
The Christian life isn’t won or lost in dramatic moments alone—it’s decided in the daily grind of ordinary choices. Every step you take either advances your new life in Christ or drifts you back into the old life He saved you from. This is what the Apostle Paul calls “the war zone of the walk.”
What Does It Mean to Walk as a Christian?
In Ephesians 4:25-5:21, Paul uses the word “walk” three distinct times, each with a specific focus. The Greek word “peripateo” literally means to step in a direction and tread around—wherever you go, in your daily going, do these things.
Paul isn’t talking about being seated (which represents the finished work of salvation) or running (which represents enduring to the end of your faith journey). Walking requires something different: faithful daily diligence in the same direction over time.
Three Ways God Wants You to Walk
Walk in Love
“‘Therefore be imitators of God as beloved children and walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God'” – Ephesians 5:1-2.
Walking in love means putting away all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and slander. Instead, you choose to be kind, tenderhearted, and forgiving—just as God in Christ forgave you.
This isn’t a one-time decision. Love is a walk because you’ll have to forgive today, tomorrow, and the next day. Most marriage conflicts could be resolved if couples would simply apply this principle: put away bitterness and harsh words, and choose kindness and forgiveness instead.
Walk in Light
“‘For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light, for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true'” – Ephesians 5:8-9.
Walking in light means making decisions based on three questions:
- Is this thing I’m about to do good or evil?
- Is it right or wrong?
- Is it true or a lie?
Part of walking in light also means taking no part in the unfruitful works of darkness. You say no to peer pressure and sometimes even expose darkness when necessary. This requires daily discernment about what pleases the Lord.
Walk in Wisdom
“‘Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil'” – Ephesians 5:15-16.
Walking in wisdom involves four key elements:
- Making the best use of time – Christians should excel at time management because we know our time is short
- Not being foolish – Making wise choices instead of following your cravings
- Understanding God’s will – Seeking what God wants rather than what you want
- Being filled with the Spirit – Instead of being under the influence of substances, be under the influence of the Holy Spirit through worship
The Clear Contrast Between Old and New
Paul doesn’t leave us guessing about what the old versus new life looks like. He provides explicit contrasts:
The Old Life includes:
- Lying and falsehood
- Stewing anger and vengeance
- Stealing and dishonest work
- Corrupting talk and crude joking
- Bitterness, wrath, and slander
- Sexual immorality and impurity
- Foolish living and drunkenness
- Self-centeredness and pride
The New Life includes:
- Speaking truth
- Handling anger quickly and righteously
- Honest work and generous giving
- Words that build up and give grace
- Kindness, compassion, and forgiveness
- Purity and holiness
- Wise living and Spirit-filled worship
- God-centeredness and humility
Why Walking Matters More Than You Think
There are two paths before you every single day. The new way leads to life—it’s God-centered, Spirit-empowered, and brings the life of God to you and those you influence. The old way leads to destruction—it’s self-centered, flesh-driven, and ultimately harmful.
How do you get to the end of either road? One step at a time. This is why your daily walk matters so much. Each choice, each step, each decision moves you in one direction or the other.
Practical Steps for Your Daily Walk
Deal with Your Anger
“‘Be angry and do not sin. Do not let the sun go down on your anger'” – Ephesians 4:26.
Notice Paul doesn’t say “never be angry”—anger is a God-given emotion that can be channeled for good. The key is not letting anger go sideways. Some need to learn emotional regulation, have vulnerable conversations about underlying hurt or fear, or seek inner healing from past wounds.
Practice Prayer Walking
Combine your spiritual walk with literal walking. Take prayer walks around your neighborhood, office building, or church. Walking stimulates both brain hemispheres and creates space for deeper conversation with God. Use this time to assess your spiritual condition, confess sin, intercede for others, and listen to the Holy Spirit.
Choose Worship Over Partying
Paul specifically contrasts drunkenness and wild partying with singing, giving thanks, and making melody to the Lord. There’s something about musical worship that taps into what people seek in parties—but it’s better, more fulfilling, and leads to life rather than destruction.
Biblical praise isn’t boring or stoic. The Hebrew language has seven different words for praise, including celebrating wildly, shouting with victory, and making music with instruments. Worship is supposed to be more exciting than a party.
Life Application
The Christian life is decided in your daily walk. This week, choose one area where you’ve been walking in the “old way” and deliberately practice the “new way” instead. Whether it’s how you handle anger, the words you speak, how you spend your free time, or how you respond to conflict—make the daily choice to walk in love, light, and wisdom.
Questions for Reflection:
- In what specific area of your life do you find yourself drifting back toward “old man” patterns?
- How can you build daily habits that advance your new life in Christ rather than hinder it?
- What would change in your relationships if you truly walked in love, putting away bitterness and choosing forgiveness?
- Are you making the best use of your time, or are you living foolishly without considering what God wants?
Remember: faithful daily diligence in the same direction over time. Your spiritual destination isn’t determined by dramatic moments alone, but by the accumulation of daily choices to walk with Jesus.