What practical steps help us "walk in Him" consistently? The Verse That Sets the Pace “Therefore, just as you have received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to walk in Him” (Colossians 2:6). Remember How You Began • You “received” Christ by faith, not effort (Ephesians 2:8–9). • Keep preaching that same gospel to yourself each day—His finished work remains the ground you stand on (Galatians 3:3). • Practical step: Start morning devotions by thanking Him for saving you, naming specific truths you first believed (Romans 5:1; 1 Corinthians 15:3–4). Stay Rooted in Scripture • Colossians 2:7 continues, “rooted and built up in Him.” Roots draw from the Word (Psalm 1:2–3). • Practical steps: – Schedule unrushed, daily Bible reading; choose a plan and stick to it. – Write one takeaway on a card and revisit it at lunch and bedtime (Deuteronomy 6:6–9). – Memorize verses that address your current struggles (Psalm 119:11). Rely on the Spirit’s Power • “Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh” (Galatians 5:16). • Practical steps: – Begin tasks with a simple “Help me, Holy Spirit.” – When tempted, breathe a quick prayer and quote a memorized verse (1 Corinthians 10:13). – End the day asking, “Where did I rely on myself? Where did I rely on You?” Practice Continual Conversation With God • “Pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17). • Practical steps: – Set phone alarms tagged “Pray” at key points in the day. – Turn drives and walks into intercession time (Nehemiah 2:4–5 pattern of brief, silent prayers). – Keep a running gratitude list; thank Him aloud when you add an item (Colossians 4:2). Choose Obedient Steps, Not Just Good Intentions • “Whoever claims to abide in Him must walk as Jesus walked” (1 John 2:6). • Practical steps: – Identify one clear command from your reading and obey it by day’s end—make the call, forgive, give, serve (James 1:22). – Use a journal column titled “Next Action” after each devotion. – Review weekly: celebrate completed steps, repent of neglected ones. Anchor Yourself in Christ-Centered Community • “Let us consider how to spur one another on toward love and good deeds” (Hebrews 10:24). • Practical steps: – Commit to a small group that studies Scripture, not just opinions. – Pair up with an accountability partner; share victories and failures honestly (Proverbs 27:17). – Arrive early at church, linger after—relationships grow in margin. Overflow With Gratitude • Colossians 2:7 ends with “overflowing with thankfulness.” Gratitude keeps pride and gloom away. • Practical steps: – Begin prayers with three new thanks before any requests. – Write thank-you notes to people God used in your life (Philippians 1:3). – Replace complaining with praising—catch yourself, then state two blessings aloud. Evaluate and Repeat Daily • “Look carefully then how you walk” (Ephesians 5:15). Regular assessment protects consistency. • Practical steps: – Nightly five-minute review: Where did I walk in Him? Where did I wander? – Confess failures immediately (1 John 1:9); receive cleansing and start fresh. – Plan tomorrow’s first ten minutes with Christ before you sleep. Consistent walking in Him is not a sprint but a steady, Spirit-empowered pace—renewed each day through faith, rooted Scripture intake, prayerful dependence, obedient action, supportive fellowship, and overflowing gratitude. |