Have you taken a look lately at the first few chapters of the book of Genesis? Go back sometime and consider again the ancient records recorded there to learn what God would teach us about two very special men. Genesis 5:24 tells us about a man named Enoch. Although very little is known about this patriarch the passage tells us “Enoch walked with God” (NKJV). The chapter just after this tells of another man described in the same way. Noah is said to have been “A just man, perfect in his generation” of whom it is also said “Noah walked with God” (6:9).

     What could it mean when the scripture uses language such as this? Is this describing some physical manifestation of God on the earth as in the Garden of Eden when he was described as “walking in the Garden?” (Genesis 3:8). Most likely this is not speaking physically but spiritually. That is to say that their faith, conduct and manner of life were spiritually “walking” in harmony with God’s will. The way that we choose to go in this life determines in large part who we will become. The things that are important to us will determine our direction. The Bible tells us that there may be ways which seem right to us but in the end will result in our doom (Proverbs 14:12 & I Peter 4:3-5). This is why Romans 8:1 tells us that we should “Not walk according to the flesh, but according to the spirit.” That is to say not simply following what feels right physically but what is right spiritually.

>     When a person becomes a Christian by putting their faith in Jesus, confessing that faith before men (Romans 10:9,10) repenting of their sins and being buried with Christ in the waters of baptism (Acts 2:38), the Bible tells us that they should then— “walk in newness of life” (Romans 6:4). A similar passage tells us that we should “Walk in the light as He is in the light” (I John 1:7). If we are willing to love God enough that we are willing and anxious to do everything that he has said; If we put our trust in Christ to the extent that we will follow his guidance through his word—Then one day it might be said of us, as it was of Noah and Enoch that we “walked with God.”