Does your walk with Christ stink?  There are several factors that might be to blame.  Before we talk about them, though, let’s stop and take a mental detour for a moment.  Think about the last time you went for a stroll with someone you cared about.

You likely spent quite a bit of time talking – maybe about this house or that, a particularly pretty tree, things that were heavy on your heart or mind.  You probably spent time listening to the other person, taking in those things that he or she wanted to share with you.  And if you were walking with your significant other, you probably made it perfectly clear to others.  You held hands, walked arm in arm, or paused for an occasional kiss.

If the previous paragraph is an accurate description, let me suggest that it was a really good walk – possibly even an exceptional walk.  This is a good time to reflect back on our original question.  Does your walk with Christ stink?

If so, let me suggest that you take some time to compare your walk to our model above.  How well are you communicating with Christ?  Do you take time to share with Him the things that are heavy on your heart and mind?  Do you randomly recognize the particularly pretty tree as a gift from God?  Do you spend time listening to the things that He wants to impress upon you?  Do you walk in such close proximity with Christ that others around you undoubtedly identify you as a Christian?

Ultimately, your walk with Christ will be directly related to your relationship with Christ and developing a relationship with Him requires you to invest time, energy, words, and emotions.  It requires that you learn about Him and it requires you to know Him better and better.  If you want to improve your walk with Christ, work on your relationship with Him.  Be intentional in your prayer time, Bible study, silence, fasting, and other spiritual disciplines.

If you are not sure how to start pursuing these disciplines, stop by the Adult Discipleship kiosk this Sunday to pick up a Building a Foundation for Lifelong Spiritual Growth document or to talk to a Foundation Ministry Coach who can help guide you in your pursuit of an exceptional walk with Christ.

Jeffery Derico Minister of Adult Discipleship