Friday, February 18, 2011

Walking Partners

I've started walking a couple of days a week with two different friends. One friend is probably less fit than I am. I encourage and push her on to keep going a few more laps. She's ready to quit at 2 miles, but I can usually push and encourage her to 2.5. My other friend is in better shape than I am. She walks fast, and my legs burn as a strive to keep up. We walk 3 miles in no time, as she encourages me to go farther.

Our Christian "walk" should mirror my fitness walk. We need walking partners in Christ too! We should come along side some people who aren't as far in their faith as we are. We should encourage them in their walk with Christ and help them become more spiritually fit. It's not just a suggestion, but a mandate, "Go, and make disciples," Jesus said. (Matt 28:19,20)

At the same time, we should have Christian mentors who are equally or more spiritually fit than we are, to encourage us and help us deepen our relationship with Christ. Whether it's in our marriages, parenting or daily life, having someone to push us to do what is right is a blessing!

Having someone to walk with makes me more accountable to my exercise plan, no matter what their fitness level. The same is true spiritually. When I'm mentoring someone else, I am careful that I don't have the appearance of sin in my life to lead them the wrong direction. And likewise, when I'm with a mentor, I strive to live the life that they are, doing the right thing.

Who are you walking with in your Christian walk? Don't walk alone.

Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.
Proverbs 13:20



Chatty Kelly

5 comments:

Diane said...

Very wise and we all need that encouragement and accountability. :O)

Carmen said...

Good analogy! I love the fact that sometimes we encourage others, and sometimes we get encouraged. :)

Anonymous said...

I love this post. How true that we need that encouragement and fellowship in our walk with Him. I'm looking forward to taking a walk together with our Lord. :) ~ Roxanna

Sharon Sloan - Joy In The Truth said...

I love walking-through-life friends -- of all different ages and stages of growth. We need each other! Two are better than one for sure!

Feeling like I want to go for a walk,
Sharon

My ADHD Me said...

Accountability. I word I learned from you. It's a tough one....but oh so important.