Proverbs 14:12 There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.
When Scripture talks about “walking”, it is not usually referring to putting one foot in front of the other to get from one place to another. It is typically referring to a course of action, a way of life, a way to be or act.
A quick word search in Scripture of the word “walk” yields several examples of how NOT to walk and how TO walk.
Let’s start with how NOT to walk; after all, we are warned in Proverbs 14:12, there is a way that seems right to a man; there is a philosophy, a “live and let live” attitude, a “you believe what you believe, and I’ll believe what I believe” approach – but the Scripture says its end is the way of death.
Logically, at this point, someone may say, “why are you right!?”
Answer:
My opinion means nothing, so I am not right about anything if it contradicts the Word of God. The question should not be, “why are you right?”; the question should be, “Do I believe God’s Word, or am I going to reject God’s Word?”
Here’s how the God’s Word says NOT to walk:
• Do not walk in darkness
1John 1:6 If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth.
1John 2:11 But whoever hates his brother is in the darkness and walks in the darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes.
• Do not walk by sight
2Corinthians 5:7 for we walk by faith, not by sight.
• Do not walk as an enemy of the Cross
Philippians 3:18 For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ.
• Do not walk according to traditions, or religion
Mark 7:5 And the Pharisees and the scribes asked him, "Why do your disciples not walk according to the tradition of the elders, but eat with defiled hands?"
• Do not walk in pride and hypocrisy
Mark 12:38 And in his teaching he said, "Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes and like greetings in the marketplaces
• Do not walk according to man-made religion and philosophy
Acts 14:16 In past generations he allowed all the nations to walk in their own ways.
• Do not walk according to the flesh
Romans 8:4 in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.
• Do not walk as one who is unwise
Ephesians 5:15-16 Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.
• Do not walk in idleness
2Thessalonians 3:11 For we hear that some among you walk in idleness, not busy at work, but busybodies.
• Do not walk in futility of mind (The quality of producing no valuable effect)
Ephesians 4:17 Now this I say and testify in the Lord, that you must no longer walk as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their minds.
Here’s how the God’s Word says TO walk:
• Walk in the footsteps of faith
Romans 4:12 and to make him the father of the circumcised who are not merely circumcised but who also walk in the footsteps of the faith that our father Abraham had before he was circumcised.
• Walk in newness of life
Romans 6:4 We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.
• Walk according to the Spirit if God
Romans 8:4 in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.
• Walk by faith
2Corinthians 5:7 for we walk by faith, not by sight.
• Walk as a new creature, a new creation in Christ
Galatians 6:15-16 For neither circumcision counts for anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation. 16 And as for all who walk by this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God.
• Walk in a manner worthy of your calling to Christ
Ephesians 4:1-3 I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, 2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, 3 eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
• Walk in sacrificial love
Ephesians 5:2 And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
• Walk according to godly examples
Philippians 3:17 Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us.
• Walk in a manner worthy of the Lord and growing in knowledge
Colossians 1:10 so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.
• Walk in Christ
Colossians 2:6-7 Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, 7 rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.
• Walk as Jesus walked
1John 2:6 whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked.
• Walk according to the commandments of Christ
2John 1:6 And this is love, that we walk according to his commandments; this is the commandment, just as you have heard from the beginning, so that you should walk in it.
• Walk by the Spirit
Galatians 5:16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.