Walk

We are going to explore three verbs found in the first verse of Psalm 1 that, when understood, will change the way every social setting is perceived - through using the spiritual lens the Holy Spirit provides.

Before going too far here is a grammatical baseline regarding what a verb is. The standard definition is “a word used to describe an action, state, or occurrence, and forming the main part of the predicate of a sentence” - now shake off those bad memories of third grade and lock in - what Mrs. Hodges taught you about the baseline of a verb only touches the surface of where we are going to explore together. Feeling good??? Keep forging ahead.

The first verb that needs to be examined based on our review of Psalm 1 is “walk”. Now Mrs. Hodges would define it as to guide, accompany, or escort (someone) on foot, however when examining it deeper we recognize this definition does not give enough context as leaders. Upon reflection of what it means to walk with others one recurring theme kept emerging. When we walk, particularly with a group of people, we are in essence going along with them in unison.

Consider the last time you attended a sporting event. There are lines, sections, seats, and accommodations for every spectator and they all have the same goal - to watch the event with their own eyes and to unite with others for a common purpose, creating a shared experience that resonates long after the moment has passed. As we head to the venue, a common theme emerges that even though we may not be cheering for the same team we do in fact enjoy the spectacle enough that collectively we are assembling with enthusiasm.

The first part of Psalm One indicates that who we walk in step with impacts us directly. As leaders, this is glaringly evident as many “great” individuals suffered tremendous falls as their moral positions shifted based on their surrounding influences. Think about the many examples of pastors and prominent leaders who have suffered life-altering changes due to their moral failure. While these scenarios each have their individual level of complexity the common thread is their unwillingness to objectively look around and see who they were indeed walking with through life.

No one wakes up in the morning and decides today is the day I’m going to ruin my marriage, or I think I’m going to begin embezzling this week or I think tonight I’m going to begin down a path of addiction - yet it happens. This part of the Psalm is screaming at us to be on guard of the ones that we are walking in step with. Just to clarify, it does not say that we are never to walk with sinners, on the contrary, we are to be with them for the purpose of sharing the Gospel and glorifying God, yet this clear warning is that when we walk in step with others we need to ensure they are headed towards the same goal as we have - that is to give God honor in glory in all that we do.

Performing a self-audit of who you are indeed walking in step with is a useful exercise to gain clarity on whether those relationships are truly in alignment with where God is calling you to go. If they are in contrast at all then action is necessary on your half - I encourage you to take it.

Questions to Consider

1. Reflect on the times you've found yourself "walking in step" with a group. How did the influence of the group impact your decisions or behavior, positively or negatively?
2. How do you reconcile the directive to not walk in step with sinners while also being called to engage with them for the purpose of sharing the Gospel?