30 March 2025

WATCH YOUR STEPS

(Biblical & Spiritual Exhortations: BSE 5)

The Psalmist wisely said, “Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly” (Psa.1:1). The NIV says, “Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked”. The “counsel” implies listening to those who give advice. To “walk in step” means to keep company with and follow the way of someone. The promise of <“blessedness”/em> lies in not following or doing what the wicked advise or are doing. To be “wicked” or “ungodly” means not fearing God and doing the things that God hates or disobeying His commands. We are advised not to do these or follow their bad example.

This shows us that the company we keep is important, as they may influence us negatively. The Bible says, “Do not be misled, bad company corrupts good character” (1 Cor.15:33). We have an old English saying, “Birds of the same feather flock together”. That is why the Lord instructs us not to be “unequally yoked with unbelievers” but to “come out from among them and be separate” (2 Cor.6:14-18), because the children of light cannot have fellowship with children of darkness. This is compromising with evil.

The Bible instructs us to “walk in wisdom towards those who are without” (Col.4:5). We need to be discerning about the people we associate with, especially unbelievers, lest we fall into the trap of the devil and unwittingly get caught up with their activities and hurt ourselves. Many Christians have fallen into this trap and fell into sin. The Book of Proverbs encourages us to walk in wisdom so that “your steps will not be hindered, and when you run you will not stumble” (4:12). We are also warned that God knows and sees how we walk: “For your ways are in full view of the LORD, and He examines all your paths” (Prov.5:21).

The Bible exhorts us always to walk in the ways of God so that we may please Him and be blessed by Him. We are commanded thus: “You shall walk in the ways which the LORD has commanded you, that you may live, and that it may be well with you, and that you may prolong your days” (Deut.5:33). This also means that we are to be careful how we walk and watch our steps so that we will not go the wrong way. God’s Word instructs us: “Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways. Do not turn to the right or to the left; keep foot from evil” (Prov.4:26-27). The Psalmist testified: “My steps have held to Your paths; my feet have not slipped” (17:5). We need such a resolve to keep us holy.

There are two ways to walk right. Firstly, it is to know God’s Word and obey what it says: “Your Word is a Lamp for my feet, a Light on my path” (Psa.119:105). God’s Word is the Compass that will direct our steps. Secondly, we should be guided by the Holy Spirit Who is our Counselor and Guide. The Bible commands us, “Walk in the Spirit and you will not fulfill the lusts of the flesh… If you live in the Spirit, keep in step with the Spirit” (Gal. 5:16,25). So let us be committed to the Word of God and surrender to the Holy Spirit’s control.

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