Scripture: John 15: 1-8; Galatians 3: 19-4:7; 5:1-26; Colossians 2: 6-7; 3: 1-17
Using the biblical images of the branch attached to the vine, of “walking,” of a fire that needs to be tended in order to keep the flame burning, McLaren invites his readers to keep walking, to stay in step with the Spirit, and to do so daily, moment by moment. He invites us to do so all through our days, from the moment we awaken, to times around the table, to times of traveling from place to place, to emergencies, to expressing our gratitude to God at the end of the day for all that it held. Walk. Keep walking. That’s the invitation.
He also points out that sometimes people “stop walking” and instead of moving, walking, and allowing the sap of the Spirit to nourish and strengthen, they become bystanders, critical of others, observers not participants encamped together with others who share their critique.
The calling for us as followers is to walk, day by day, along the path God has given us. Don’t be distracted, keep walking.
Share a story about how the Spirit has encouraged you through others walking alongside you.
How do you respond to the warning about losing your way and becoming a critical bystander rather than a humble walker?
My blog’s tagline is “Westside Walker,” connected to our congregation’s name and this theme of movement that God invites us into as we “Follow Jesus.” I find that tag so helpful to remember, I am a walker, a journeyer, one who is also learning day by day to follow, to trust, to believe, to be present to Jesus as I walk.
I was struck the other day how frequently God speaks into my life through those around me, just by how they talk, what they say, and allowing what they are saying to speak directly into the things I am feeling, dealing with in my own heart. Sometimes I am broadsided by such conversations. I don’t expect God to show up with a grocery store clerk, or in line at the bank, or at the gas station, or with the tech for my eye appointment. But then, suddenly, in a flash God is there and ministering not through me but TO me. Right there while Michele, the tech, tells of her discovery that algebra which she never thought she would use past high school is an everyday part of her job, God encourages my own heart saying through her, “I’ve put in place all you need for how I will use you.”