The “Christian walk” refers to the daily life and journey of a Christian who seeks to follow Jesus Christ. It encompasses every aspect of life, from our relationship with God, to our interactions with others, to the work we do. The Bible offers extensive guidance on how Christians are called to live, through both explicit commands and the example set by Jesus and other godly men and women. While the specifics of what the Christian walk looks like can vary somewhat between denominations and individuals, there are core biblical principles that all Christians are exhorted to live by.
Developing a Relationship with God
At the heart of the Christian walk is a vibrant, intimate relationship with God. Christians believe that faith is about more than just intellectually acknowledging the existence of God or mentally assenting to certain doctrines. True saving faith involves knowing God personally and experiencing His love and grace on a daily basis. This happens primarily through spiritual disciplines like prayer, Bible study, meditation, fasting, etc. Just as human relationships require quality communication and time spent together to thrive, so our relationship with God requires talking to Him in prayer and listening to Him through His word on a regular basis. As we seek God every day, we begin to discern His voice more clearly, gaining wisdom for the decisions we face (Psalm 25:4-5, James 1:5). Our love and awe of God grows as we reflect on His majesty and goodness. We find strength to resist temptation and walk in holiness, as sin severs closeness with God (Isaiah 59:2). Overall, cultivating a deep, dependent relationship with God is the foundation of the Christian walk.
In particular, prayer is vital to nurture intimacy with God. Christians are exhorted to pray continually (1 Thessalonians 5:17), bringing every situation and desire before God. We can pour out our heart to Him, cast our cares on Him, seek forgiveness and ask for His help (Philippians 4:6-7, Matthew 6:9-13). Through prayer, we align our hearts with God’s will rather than our own. The more time we spend speaking with and listening to God, the more our priorities, thoughts and desires will reflect His influence. As we see more of life from His perspective, we grow in wisdom and love for Him and others. So a thriving prayer life is crucial to stay in close step with God.
In addition to prayer, studying the Bible is critical for getting to know God better. Scripture reveals God’s character, works, commands and promises, teaching us how to live in a way that honors Him (2 Timothy 3:16-17). As we read and meditate on the Bible, asking God to speak through it, our mind is renewed to become more like Christ (Romans 12:2). We receive conviction and encouragement from God’s word that helps us resist temptation and press on toward righteousness (Psalm 119:9-11). Through the Bible, believers can continuously feed on spiritual truth and enjoy close fellowship with God as He communicates His heart and will to us. Just as we nourish our physical body with food each day, so Christians need regular spiritual nourishment from God’s word to grow in faith and obedience. Overall, the Christian walk requires diligently pursuing intimate communion with God through spiritual disciplines like prayer and Bible study.
Living in Holiness and Obedience
A second key aspect of the Christian walk is pursuing holiness and obedience to God in all areas of life. Now that Christians are saved by grace, we are empowered to live in a way that honors God and reflects His holy character (1 Peter 1:13-16). Our lives are no longer controlled by sinful desires but by the Spirit, enabling us to produce His fruit like love, joy and self-control (Galatians 5:16-25). As the Bible reminds us, we have become new creations in Christ, called to walk in righteousness rather than sin (Ephesians 4:17-24).
This means adhering to God’s moral commands and principles, even when they go against the grain of culture. Christians are to flee sexual immorality, greed, lying, anger, jealousy and other sins that marked their pre-salvation life (Colossians 3:5-9). Instead, we aim to exhibit the fruit of the Spirit, living in love, patience, kindness and self-control by the power of the Holy Spirit. Our goal is to be blameless and pure as children of God, shining like stars in the world by upholding God’s standards of righteousness (Philippians 2:14-16).
In addition to avoiding sin, an obedient Christian walk includes proactively serving God and others according to His will. We are called to use our gifts and resources to honor God and meet needs, whether through volunteering, giving generously or speaking words of encouragement (1 Peter 4:10-11, Hebrews 13:16). As we spend time in prayer and God’s word, He will reveal more of His unique calling on our life. This might involve sharing the gospel, feeding the hungry, teaching children or any number of ways to live out God’s purpose for our life. Walking in holiness includes both resisting sinful ways and proactively obeying God’s will from the heart, as we develop Christlike character and bear good spiritual fruit.
Pursuing Spiritual Growth and Maturity
Rather than remaining stagnant in faith, the Christian walk is intended to be a lifelong journey of moving closer to Christ. Scripture instructs believers to continue growing in spiritual maturity, increasingly reflecting God’s character (2 Peter 1:3-8). This means humbly admitting we have not yet arrived and hungering to know Jesus better through His word. As we grow in our relationship with Christ, we gain spiritual wisdom, self-control, perseverance and godliness. Our love for others deepens. We live with an eternal perspective rather than fixating on earthly things. Overall, there is no room for complacency in the Christian faith, but a constant striving after growth and maturity.
An important aspect of pursuing growth is developing spiritual disciplines like prayer, Bible study, fasting, simplicity, solitude, journaling and meditation. By practicing these activities, we create space to hear God and be filled with His Spirit. Our minds are renewed and hearts changed to align more closely with Jesus. We gain strength to follow Him wholeheartedly, even through trials. Just as an athlete disciplines his body to grow stronger, so Christians must train ourselves through spiritual disciplines to mature in godly virtue.
Additionally, committing to a local church provides accountability, teaching and fellowship to aid growth. Attending worship services, joining a small group and serving within the church helps prevent stagnation (Hebrews 10:24-25). As iron sharpens iron, we are challenged toward greater maturity when we walk closely with other believers. We also benefit from godly pastors and teachers whom God has given to equip the church for ministry (Ephesians 4:11-13). The Christian walk cannot be lived out in isolation.
With the Spirit working in us, the trials of life also propel our spiritual growth as we learn steadfastness and endurance. As we cling to Jesus through suffering, our faith and intimacy with Him are strengthened (Romans 5:3-5, James 1:2-4). We identify more closely with His sufferings, becoming more like Him. God uses every circumstance as an opportunity for us to grow in Christlike maturity and dependence on Him if we respond correctly.
Living Out Faith in Community and Relationships
While personal piety and growth are important, the Christian walk extends beyond a private relationship with God. Followers of Jesus are to live out their faith in community with other believers and in all their relationships. The Bible offers abundant guidance for walking in love and wisdom toward others, both within the church and outside it.
For one, Christians are to pursue unity and love within Christ’s body, the church. We are to live in harmony, bearing with one another patiently and forgiving grievances (Ephesians 4:2-3, Colossians 3:12-13). This humble, gentle love provides a powerful witness to the world of God’s transforming power. When the church is unified, God is glorified and able to move powerfully among His people.
Within the church, there is also to be mutual edification, accountability and service toward the shared goal of maturity in Christ (1 Corinthians 12:7, Hebrews 10:24-25). Each member of the body has a valuable role to play with the unique gifts God has given. As we encourage one another, bear burdens, and speak truth in love, the church grows to fullness in Christ (Ephesians 4:15-16). Our walk with Jesus is lived out in biblical community, not solitude.
In our other relationships, the Christian walk involves honoring Christ by acting in loving, wise ways toward others. For instance, Scripture gives much guidance for marriage, childrearing, friendships and the workplace. Husbands are to sacrificially serve their wives, wives submit respectfully, and both pursue oneness (Ephesians 5:22-33). Parents should nurture and discipline children wisely, raising them in the training of the Lord (Ephesians 6:4). Friends must speak truth while showing grace and point each other toward godliness (Proverbs 27:6, 17). At work, Christians are to serve sincerely and honorably, eschewing lies, gossip and greed (Colossians 3:22-24). In all relationships, we aim to walk in Spirit-led gentleness, patience, honesty and self-control, seasoning our speech with grace (Colossians 4:6, Titus 2:2-8). Our Christian faith impacts all our relationships and activities, not just private piety.
Being a Witness and Living Missionally
A faithful Christian walk includes telling others about the gospel and living on mission for Christ. Jesus commanded His followers to be His witnesses locally and globally, sharing the good news of salvation with everyone (Acts 1:8). The Bible depicts evangelism as an essential part of normal Christian living, not just for certain charismatic personalities (Matthew 28:18-20, Romans 1:14-17). All Christians should be prepared to give a reason for the hope we have in Jesus, speaking with gentleness and respect (1 Peter 3:15). We are ambassadors for Christ, imploring others to be reconciled to God (2 Corinthians 5:20). Living missionally for the sake of unbelievers is part of our identity in Christ.
Beyond verbal proclamation, our actions and attitudes can powerfully demonstrate Christ’s love and leading. By living righteously, loving enemies, and serving humbly, our life can affirm the gospel message (Matthew 5:16, Titus 3:1-2). When nonbelievers observe the peace, joy and kindness we exhibit by the Spirit, they are drawn to the God we serve. Our integrity and virtuous lifestyle should align with the faith we profess.
Additionally, a missional Christian walk involves serving practical needs of those around us, just as Jesus met material and spiritual needs. Whether through volunteering, generosity, hospitality or simple acts of service, we love others as Christ has loved us (Hebrews 13:1-3, 1 John 3:17-18). The Christian walk extends beyond just sharing spiritual truths. We live missionally by serving others unselfishly, especially those neglected by society (James 1:27, Galatians 6:10). Our faith compels us to care deeply for those around us, both through proclamation of the gospel and practical aide.
Relying on the Spirit and God’s Grace
As God calls believers to live by high standards, we quickly realize we cannot succeed in our own feeble strength. A key aspect of the Christian walk is relying on the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. All true virtue and spiritual fruit in our lives comes from His working within us, not self-effort (Galatians 5:22-23). As we cooperate with God’s Spirit through obedience to His Word, He transforms us increasingly into the image of Jesus (2 Corinthians 3:18). The Christian walk is a partnership between God’s power and our humble submission to His leading. We must stay filled with the Spirit through prayer, fellowship and other spiritual disciplines.
Furthermore, as we stumble into sin, the Christian walk involves regularly confessing our shortcomings and receiving God’s grace. John assures believers that if we confess our sins, God forgives and cleanses us (1 John 1:9). We are called to humble repentance when we become aware of wrong thought or action. God extends limitless grace to empower us to live righteously (2 Corinthians 12:9). The Christian walk is a process of becoming more like Christ over a lifetime by dependently walking in step with the Spirit and appropriating God’s grace and forgiveness.
Thankfully, our righteous standing before God does not depend on perfection, but on Christ’s finished work. Our role is to increasingly live out this new nature, not to earn salvation. As we seek intimacy with God, pursue obedience, grow in maturity, live in community, witness to others and rely fully on the Spirit, He produces increasing holiness and spiritual fruit in our lives. While the Christian walk requires diligence and discipline, God enables and accompanies us each step of the journey until we see Him face to face.