There was once a young pastor who wanted to be a blessing to one of his elderly church members. She had very poor eyesight, and had a hard time going out. So, the pastor and his wife invited her to come to their house for dinner. The elderly woman replied, “Oh pastor, I’m so thankful you invited me, but I’m hesitant to go out because of my eyesight. I’d rather that you come to my house because I’m familiar with it. I know where the couches and chairs are and how to move about safely.”

The word “walk” in our passage today has that very idea - being familiar with, having spent time there, feeling safe and comfortable. In secular Greek, the word “walk” means to stroll with leisure, walk with someone, or have conversation.

When you are strolling, you are not anxious, frustrated, or fighting. You’re relaxed, unhurried, peaceful, and calm. So “...walk ye in him….” Leisurely stroll in familiar territory, getting to know the One Who saved you. When you walk in the Spirit, the anxieties and stress of life will be removed.

How often should you walk in the Spirit? In our passage, “walk” is in the present tense, which means to keep on walking. It is something that needs to happen repeatedly. It comes down to something that you can choose to do or choose not to do. Christians who walk in the flesh are a great proof of this fact – it is a choice.

How can you avoid the two extremes of legalism and license? Keep walking with the Lord.