The Holy Scriptures are replete with lessons concerning the way of Christian living, and many are drawn from the analogy of walking. On one occasion Jesus pronounced, "I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life" (John 8:12).

Those who have put to death the "old man" having been crucified with Christ, then buried together with him in the water of baptism are risen together with Christ to "walk in newness of life" (Romans 6:4). The word of Christ teaches us to "walk after the Spirit" and to "walk by faith." We're not to walk as the Gentiles walk "in the vanity of their mind" but rather to "walk worthy" of our calling and as "children of light." We are to "walk in love," just as Jesus walked (1 John 2:6).

There are men, women and young people at various stages of development in their Christian walk. There are some walking at a brisk pace. They're out in front and swiftly approaching the finish line. These are leaders, strong and mature. They have cultivated the Christian graces (2 Peter 1:5-7), and still continue to press toward the mark of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:14). They will not let up until they have drawn their last breath and are ushered into "Abraham's bosom."

There are some who are just beginning their Christian walk. They have been "born again" and are feeding upon the "milk of the word" (1 Peter 2:2). They're growing by leaps and bounds. They are taking small steps, but they are developing and are so beautiful in Jesus' eyes. Jesus knows their potential. He knows what they can become if they always put their trust in him and obey his voice.

There are Christians in between these two stages. They are staggered somewhere between the start and finish line. They continue to mature as they receive nourishment from the meat of the Word (Hebrews 5:14). They radiate the love and light of Jesus in their disposition of heart in all they say and do.

Then, there are those who are motivators and encouragers, "cheering on" those who are struggling with their faith or some form of trial or temptation. These are ones who have experienced many of the trials and disappointments life sometimes brings. But, they know the joy of getting back up on their feet, leaning on Jesus and the power of God's grace. They have learned that the joy, hope and assurance within the Christian's heart is worth living for, and that God and the eternal crown are worth dying for (Revelation 2:10).

Where are you positioned in the long train of Christians who are marching to Zion, the beautiful city of God? Have you taken the first step by becoming a Christian? Don't lose heart, faint and fall out. Jesus overcame and all of us can be victorious through him (John 16:33).