The word for this week is "walk", in honor of Reagan's first steps! :) There are a few different Greek words translated walk in the New Testament. This week we'll be looking at one of them found in these verses:
Gal 5:25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. KJV
Gal 6:15 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature. 16 And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God. KJV
Phil 3:16 Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing. KJV
This is the Greek word "stoicheo". Strong's Concordance says: to march in military rank (keep step), i.e. to conform to virtue and piety. Thayer's Greek Lexicon adds this: to go in order. The Theological Dictionary of the New Testament says this: to be in agreement. Vine's Expository Dictionary adds: used of walking by the Spirit, in an exhortation to keep step with one another in submission of the heart to the Holy Spirit (resulting in unity and harmony in the church).
REAL unity in a church, or a family or work team, comes when everyone knows what is expected and are committed to seeing it through. I know that you've seen the benefit of this in your career when your team has had success, and you've probably seen the negative effects when some choose to go their own way. A household can be in chaos when there is no "walking" order! If there are no rules set in place, then there is no standard and everyone will do what is right in their own eyes, as in Judges 17:6 and 21:25. I love that you and Kristine have established an order in your home that is unique to your own family, and that you are in agreement in doing so. The peace and joy that are evident when we visit is a result of that. When everyone knows the order, then you can all "walk" together in harmony! Here is a song from Hillsong's "God Is Able" album called "Narrow Road":
Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!
