Who Walks With God?

Printed in House To House/Heart To Heart

Do you ever wonder who walks with God? We know that Enoch walked with God and was translated (Gen. 5:22), but we know so little about him. Scripture says that Abraham was called God’s friend (Jam. 2:23), which sounds desirable. But, how do Christians of today enjoy a relationship with God as Enoch and Abraham did?

David answered the question in the fifteenth psalm where ten characteristics are listed that help identify those who walk with God. Some are positive; others are negative. All the attributes deal with some aspect of honesty, which is required for all believers. We must be honest. After all, we don’t like dealing with hypocrites, and God doesn’t either! Psalm 15 provides two basic ways Christians are to be honest—in our thoughts and with what we do.

Listed first is righteous living (v. 2). Our manner of life must be in keeping with Jesus’ example. He that is good, for example, does good works.

Consider also that we should be honest in relationships with neighbors (v. 3), with friends (v. 3) and with the faithful (v. 4). The gospel is about people, and we must relate to others in a godly manner. The latter six of the 10 commandments regulates interaction with others (i.e. honor your parents and do not kill, fornicate, steal, lie or covet). Remember, God will judge us on the same basis by how we mete out justice to others (Mt. 7:2, et al).

Now we would understand the importance of treating the down-trodden, weak and struggling with love and honesty, but why, “the faithful” specifically? First, God cares about his people. If you love God, you will love his children (1 Jn. 4:21). Second, associating with faithful brethren prevents sin; “evil company corrupts good habits” (1 Cor. 15:33 NKJV). The mature restore the fallen (Gal. 6:1). Sin is digressive! Listen: “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the wicked, Nor standeth in the way of sinners, Nor sitteth in the seat of scoffers” (Ps. 1:1).

Next, our speech should be honest and clean (v. 3). Our words should edify and not destroy. Do we pray for those that we condemn? They too need salvation. We should read and re-read Matthew 18:15ff everyday. It’s easier to share the problem with someone else than to solve it directly with the person involved. Jesus said, “go,” “take another,” then “tell the church.”

Also, we should be honest in our money (v. 5). Jesus condones interest (Mt. 25:27), but not at the demise of another. Beware, “one who increases his possessions by usury and extortion gathers it for him who will pity the poor” (Prov. 28:8). Solomon knew the law of the harvest. You reap proportionately to what you sow whether good or bad (Gal. 6:7-8). Instant gratification says to get all you can quickly; integrity says, “Make sure it’s honest.”

Then, David gets to the heart (v. 2). God cares how we think. If your heart is pure, you see God (Mt. 5:8). If your agenda is hidden, you’ll never see God! Parents will generally develop unfaithfulness in their children when they consistently talk negatively about the preacher and elders. Their words reveal their heart. Good trees yield peaceable fruit, always (Mt. 7:16ff). You can lie to others for a time and even longer to yourself, but never before God.

Similarly, godly people have backbone and are steadfast (v. 4). What you see is what you get. Maturity is not measured by a dipstick—with your finger to the wind. Even Paul rebuked Peter for his moment of fickleness (Gal. 2:11ff). But the language of the world and that of the false prophets is the same (1 Jn. 4:5). Many have itching ears turning Bible study into Bible story (2 Tim. 4:3-4). This practice cannot continue if we desire to walk with God. Some are “tossed to and fro carried about with every wind of doctrine…” (Eph. 4:14).

Finally, you must hate sin and its paths (v. 4). “Know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? Whosoever therefore would be a friend of the world maketh himself an enemy of God” (Jam. 4:4). Do not barter with sin; “choose you this day” (Josh. 24:15).

If you are honest, you will walk with God. Does God expect anything else other than honesty? See 1 John 1:6-10. Let us meditate on it (Phil. 4:8) and make it live.