p. 9 | Walking With God

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D.C. · Jun 2, 1904

Walking With God

IN a certain book of short biographies it is written, “Enoch walked with God.” It is a very short record of a life; three words, but what remains to be said? There is a whole life in the short inscription. There are no details; none are needed, for we see the man. Whether it was yesterday or last year, he is the same. His whole course of life is that of companionship with God.

There is no neglect of the affairs of daily life; there is no atmosphere too ethereal for others to breathe; there is no saintliness that separates; but just a good, wholesome, attractive life. He is fervent in spirit, but he is diligent in business; he keeps all his appointments, he is near by when he is needed; he has an open hand and a kindly heart; he is in sympathy with all that is pure and good; every one loves him, and feels better for being with him. But he walks with God. His life takes its course,

character, and influence from God. He is like a fountain which issues from an unseen rock in the mountain, and flows near by the dwellings of men, where every one who will may drink and be satisfied.

There is no great mystery in this, a something that is beyond the ordinary life. On the contrary, it is the ordinary life to every one who wills to have it so. It is a life in which God is ever present as an inspiration, a hope, a living force, directing in our plans, purposes, and doings. We may illustrate: A son loves his father, and delights to do his will. The thought of his father is ever with him, not always consciously, but subconsciously, giving direction to what he does. So the thought of God becomes an abiding presence, entering into the whole life. Not as separating from all the ordinary thoughts and work of life, but as determining their character and giving them direction.

One who walks with God goes in the same direction. His life is in the line of the revealed purposes of God, and it is his wish to do what God wishes to be done. He is a worker together with God. He has no plans apart from what he believes to be God’s plans. He is not selfish, making his religion narrow and self-centered, but broad, world-wide in its interests and efforts. His sympathies are for all classes, and his hand is ready for every good work as he may be able for it. He does not walk in the counsel of the ungodly; he does not stand on the street corners as companion to sinners; he does not sit in the chair of the scorner as his friend. He is actively engaged in whatever God is doing. And, more than this, he keeps step with God. If we do not so keep step with him in the world, we soon fall behind, and find ourselves too late for some of his best things.

What an honor, and what happiness! The companion of God to whom he reveals what is hidden from the world, and to whom he speaks the sweet words of abiding love! “He walked with God.” So live that men will write it on your tombstones, and will keep the memory of you in their hearts.—United Presbyterian.