“Enoch walked with God…”
(Genesis 5:24)
English clergyman Robert Bolton called walking with God “the crown of the Christian’s character.” This pattern of life can be observed in Scripture in men like Adam before the fall (Genesis 3:8), Enoch (Genesis 5:22), Noah (Genesis 6:9), and Abraham (Genesis 17:1).
But what does it mean to walk with God?
To better understand this biblical concept, let’s first consider what is required to “walk” through life with another person. For such a walk to be meaningful, there must be a relationship between them. They must share common interests, be committed to the journey, and maintain consistency in the relationship. When these elements are in place, their walk together becomes one of deep, shared companionship and fellowship.
So it is in our walk with God.
This journey begins with a first step—spiritual birth into the family of God. As Jesus told Nicodemus, “Unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God” (John 3:3). Only those who are truly God’s children can begin the walk of faith.
Agreement with God is the next essential step. Amos 3:3 asks, “Can two walk together, except they be agreed?” If we walk contrary to God’s ways—harboring sin, rebellion, or disobedience—our fellowship with Him is broken. As Peter exhorts us, “Be ye holy, for I am holy” (1 Peter 1:16), walking with God means striving for holiness, aligning our steps with His Word, and obeying His will.
Commitment is also necessary. Walking with God is not a casual or occasional endeavor—it must be the highest priority of our life. Christ warns, “He that loves father or mother… or son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me” (Matthew 10:37). To walk with God, He must be first in our hearts.
Finally, consistently seeking God is crucial. Spiritual complacency is an enemy to this walk, for God despises lukewarmness (Revelation 3:15-16). If we desire true communion with Him, we must remain steadfast in prayer, worship, and meditation on His Word… as the psalmist when he declared, “My soul thirsts for God, for the living God” (Psalm 42:2).
Francis Roberts said, “A Christian must have obedience, practice, and doing.”[1] If you have not begun the journey, take the first step today by submitting to Christ as Lord. And if you are already walking with God, examine whether you are walking closely, in agreement, with commitment, consistently. For when we take these steps, God promises we will experience the joy of His presence and the sweetness of His fellowship (Revelation 3:20).
Contemplations
- The Testimony of Walking with God. Lord, Enoch wholly dedicated himself to Your service, walking before You with reverence and godly fear. His life was a testimony of faith. Am I walking as Enoch walked? Do I truly serve You with holiness and godly fear in the power of Christ?
- A Life Pleasing to God. Lord, the greatest testimony a man can have is that he walks with You—the High and Lofty One who inhabits eternity. How well do I walk before You? Does my life reflect a deep and abiding communion with You as it should?
- The Reality of True Godliness. Lord, sinful men can engage in religious duties without reaping spiritual benefit. Until they know You as Savior and Lord, they cannot truly walk with You. You search the hearts of all men. You see not only outward appearances but the secret places of the soul. Help me walk with You not only outwardly but also inwardly as well, in the depths of my heart.
Prayer
[Confession for My Failure to Walk Faithfully]
Lord, You have called me to walk with You in sincerity, truth, and righteousness. You have set before me the examples of those who have gone before—men who walked blamelessly, holding fast to You in faith. Yet, I confess, O God, that my steps have often faltered. My heart has been divided, my devotion weak, and my obedience inconsistent.
Enoch walked with You, and he “was not,” for You took him. His life was marked by faith and nearness to You, a walk set apart from the corruption of the world. But unlike Enoch, instead of keeping my eyes fixed on You, I’m often drawn away by the distractions of this life. I allow sin to cling to me when I should cast it off. I entertain desires that do not align with Your will. Lord, forgive me for my wavering heart and for every step I’ve taken that led me away from Your presence.
I know that to walk with You, I must be in agreement with You. Yet I confess, Lord, that I have walked contrary to Your will. I turned aside when trials came. When the road became difficult, my resolve weakened. I have been quick to call upon You in my need, but slow to seek You when all seemed well.
Search me, O God, and know my heart. You see what is hidden from others. You know my thoughts, my motives, and my weaknesses. Purify me, Lord. Remove every false way within me, every pretense, every mask of righteousness that conceals lingering sin. Let my love for You be genuine, my walk consistent, and my obedience unwavering.
Forgive me, Lord, for my complacency. Let my hunger for You never fade. Keep my heart aflame with love for You, that I may never grow indifferent to the privilege of walking with my God. Have mercy on me and draw me back to the path of righteousness. Let me not be deceived by empty profession, thinking that mere words are enough. You desire truth in the inward parts, sincerity in my devotion, and a heart that beats in unison with Yours.
Teach me, O Lord, to walk in the power of Your Spirit. Strengthen me against the desires of the flesh, that I may live in holiness before You. Lead me in the paths of righteousness, that my life may reflect Your glory. Let me not walk with You only in moments of passion, nor in seasons of ease, but every day, every step, until my walk on earth is done and I enter into the joy of my eternal home.
O Lord, restore me, cleanse me, and set my feet upon the narrow way once more. In the name of Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior, I pray. Amen.
Further References for Genesis 5:24
Hebrews 11:5; Psalm 49:15, 73:24; Jude 1:14; Revelation 3:4.
[1] Francis Roberts, Mysterium & Medulla Bibliorum the Mystery and Marrow of the Bible, (London: R.W. for George Calvert, 1657), 890.
