Abigail, our 11-month-old daughter, has recently started walking. It is entertaining to watch her. She is clearly enjoying herself. Even though she took her first steps later than her older brother, she seems to be progressing rapidly. Her many and frequent falls do not seem to deter her in the least. She immediately raises herself back up and continues on her way. What an inspiration she is.

The innate drive of a baby is impressive. No one has to motivate them. No one has to explain to them how important it is for them to learn how to walk. They desire to walk, and enjoy every minute of it.

In the Bible the Christian life is repeatedly equated with walking. In Ephesians 5:18 Paul says to the new believers in Ephesus, “Walk as children of light.” Jesus told Nicodemus in John 3:1-8 that when we become Christians, it’s like being born again. We are like babies when we first believe.

So, it seems that Abigail’s experience of learning how to walk is a lot like us learning how to live the Christian life.

Here are two truths that Abigail illustrates: First, walking with the Lord is an exciting adventure. It’s a journey filled with new discoveries. And second, it’s ok if we fall down. (Jesus is there to help us back up.) No one expects a baby to walk without ever falling. And neither does God expect us to always make the right choices. He knows we are like babies who learn gradually.

I love the words of the old song, “Trust and Obey”:

               When we walk with the Lord,

               In the light of his Word,

               What a glory He sheds on our way.

Let us walk in the light.