The concept of walking with God, a prominent theme in the
Old Testament, is continued in the New. Believers are commanded to walk in a
manner worthy of the Lord. They are not to walk according to the flesh or their
former way of life, but rather, according to the Spirit, in newness of life, in
love, in good works, and in truth. They are to walk by faith, as children of
light, and in keeping with God’s commandments. Jesus Himself was the ultimate
example of one who lived every moment in perfect communion and intimate
fellowship with His Father. He sets the pattern for us to follow. As 1 John 2:6
reminds us, “He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He
walked.”
Like believers in Bible times, all Christians are called
to walk in obedience, truth, and godliness. Of course, everything in society
fights that effort. Secular culture is only getting worse, and the church, in
many cases, has grown weak and shallow. The temptation to compromise and sin is
immense and relentless. But as in the days of Enoch and Noah, God is watching
for those who will faithfully walk with Him. As 2 Chronicles 16:9 reminds us,
“The eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show
Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him.” The actions of
godly men and women are not determined by peer pressure or popular opinion.
Rather, they arise from deep personal character and conviction—the kind forged
over years of walking with the Lord in fellowship, truth, and obedience.
That kind of walk characterized Enoch’s life. It started
with forgiveness from sin. It was marked by steadfast faith in the Lord. And it
subsequently resulted in fruits of righteousness. In the midst of a corrupt
society headed for total destruction, Enoch’s walk with God was
counter-cultural and heavenly in character, as his earthly end demonstrates.
--- John F. MacArthur,
Twelve Unlikely Heroes: How God Commissioned Unexpected People in the Bible
and What He Wants to Do with You. 2014.
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