I just found a little nugget in Micah 4:5: “Though all the peoples walk each in the name of his god, as for us, we will walk in the name of the Lord our God forever and ever” (NASB).
The Net Bible uses the word “follow” for “walk” but then gives this explanation: “Hebrew wording: “walk each in the name of his god.” The term “name” here has the idea of “authority.” To “walk in the name” of a god is to recognize the god’s authority as binding over one’s life.”
It just really hit me that each decision I make reveals who has authority over my life. I may say Jesus is Lord in my life but I have the choice whether to make Him Lord and authority each time.
This is sobering. The word “walk” is used a lot in the New Testament and as I picture it, I’m walking along with God on a path and it really doesn’t seem that bad when I stray to the side, pause and He walks ahead, or even wander away. But in that moment, Jesus is no longer my authority and I’m no longer making him binding over my life.
How does wandering look? Thoughts or actions like:
my anger is justified–it’s him/her fault for acting that way.
I can go off my diet a little; it won’t hurt.
just a little white lie doesn’t hurt.
I’m exaggerating to make a point.
Everyone should view life the way I do.
I’m worried, sure, but who doesn’t?
I know I’m sounding perfectionistic but my desire really is to stay on the path with Him. Oh, how sweet that would be.
So, Lord, that is my call for your authority over my life today. That I might follow and walk in the authority of Jesus today.