Walk Squared

Many, if not all of us, have read Galatians 5. Everyone hears about the works of the flesh and the fruit of the Spirit at some time during their walk with Christ. In the midst of this dissertation, we see a “phenomena” in scripture that should grab our attention — one that we must pay attention to if we plan to receive proper messages when reading.

Galatians 5:16 (also shown above) says, “This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.” As we continue to read and mosey down to verse 25, we read “If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.” Most times, people won’t catch what’s happening here. Because the oversight we’re about to discuss is common, I’ll point it out for you. There are two exhortations to “walk in the Spirit”. What people don’t realize is that these are two completely separate exhortations, with two different meanings. For the sake of today’s message, we’ll refer to this as “walk squared” (to the second power).

Oh, oh!!! I feel a vocabulary lesson coming. 🙂 Here goes. The message won’t be clear without this breakdown.

In verse 16, the word “walk” is a figure of speech. It means to deport oneself (make oneself available to something or someone). It refers to being a “votary” of someone or something. The first part of the definition is clear. The second part is not. What is a votary??? I’m always reminded of a cartoon I saw (many of you have probably seen it also). There is a Looney Tunes cartoon where there’s a really big dog who’s being followed by a very small dog. The big dog walks around with a proud, arrogant persona, while the little dog jumps around him, begging to go whereever he goes. He wants to be around and subject to him no matter what. Well, the little dog is being a votary of the larger dog.For those who can’t relate to the cartoon example, for clarity’s sake, consider the root word of votary…”vote”. Think for a moment…………de-voted…..get it. A votary is one who is devoted to an individual, thing or purpose — a staunch believer or advocate. Therefore, in this passage, walking in the Spirit refers to being subject and devoted to the heart and mind of the Spirit of God. Make more sense now??? If we walk (are completely devoted to) the Spriit, we won’t fulfill the lust of the flesh. The Spirit’s influence will win out over the influence of the flesh.

In verse 25, the word “walk” paints a different picture. The meaning? Here, “walk” means to march in military order (i.e., keep step). If you haven’t been in the military, you’ve heard about or seen people in the service march in rank and file. When the commanding officer tells them to march, they march. When he shouts out a command to change direction (e.g., “about face”) everyone moves accordingly — in unison. Can you imagine what would happen if a commanding officer said, “RIGHT FACE, FORWARD MARCH”, and four or five of the soldiers created their own path, marching aimlessly among the troops. Not only would this be generally ridiculous, but it would create disruption, confusion, discord and disorder among their brethren. Why? Eventually, everyone would be affected by the “non-ordained path” begin taken by the wayward soldiers. When we “walk in the Spirit” from a verse 25 perspective, not only do we bless ourselves, we help keep the “flow” of the task-at-hand in order for everyone else.
What about it, folks??? Are you a votary of the Holy Ghost? His job is to lead us into all truth. His goal is to reprove the world of sin, righteousness and judgment. The Spirit is an on-board teacher — 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. He’s so good at it that 1 John 2:27 says that we really don’t have need that someone teach us. We are instructed not to grieve or quench Him. If we are votaries/devotees to the person and cause of the Spirit of God, we will line up with Him and submit — as dear children. When we do so, we reap the benefits — more grace, fruitfulness and wisdom.

Are you walking “in rank” or are you walking aimlessly about, doing what you want to do when you want to do it — creating your own march, pace and directions??? Doing so is not without consequences…for you or those in close proximity to you. As a matter of fact, orderly and disorderly conduct in Christ both have a domino effect on the entire body of Christ. As mentioned last week, Achan broke rank, ignoring the exhortation of Joshua. It caused the entire “project” to come to a halt until he was dealt with. The result…unrecoverable judgment. In 1 Timothy 1:20 and 2 Timothy 2:17, Paul talks about Hymenaeus. This troublesome guy gives you the impression that he stayed in trouble — at least enough for Paul to mention him in two letters. Hymenaeus broke rank both times by becoming engaged in false teaching and spreading it among the people. There are no details of his handling the second time, but the first impropriety resulted in judgment. Hymenaeus and his partner Alexander were “delivered to Satan so that they may learn not to blaspheme.” Even the devil is good for something, huh? Even Peter broke rank, walking with respect of persons, avoiding being seen with the Gentiles when the Jewish brethren came around. The result…judgment…from a rebuke and chastisement perspective.

Let us strive to WALK IN THE SPIRIT….SQUARED. Let’s remember both exhortations. Let’s be subject and devoted to the word of the Lord. In so doing, we won’t resist His Spirit. Let’s also strive to walk in military order. After all, we are soldiers.

Until next time, FORWARD MARCH . . . keep the word and be blessed.

Reprinted from Remnant Online: Volume 4, Issue 5 — Walk Squared
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