What Is the Meaning of “Walk in Truth?”

An interesting question was left for me the other day. “What does the Bible actually mean when it exhorts us to “walk in truth?” Let’s take a closer look at the biblical concepts involved because “You Asked For It.”

The phrase “walk in truth” uses two images to describe our Christian experience. Let’s talk about both of them to help us understand the picture the Bible is painting for us.

Our life on earth is often compared to a journey. Author John Bunyan portrayed the concept well in his book The Pilgrim’s Progress. The spiritual journey was seen as a road full of trials, dangers, challenges and blessings.

The Bible is full of journeys – Abraham traveling to a new land, the Exodus, the Exile, journeys to Jerusalem, Paul’s missionary journeys – helping us understand that God is with us when we move from one point to another. We often refer to life as a journey. You will often hear us describing the metaphor, saying things like, “This has been my journey of faith” or “I have come a long way in my faith since the death of my child.” All of these help us understand our time here on earth.

The Imagery of the Journey

I think there are several reasons the metaphor applies so well. Here are a couple that stand out to me.

• A journey implies changes – and life is filled with challenges and changes, isn’t it? There are transitions and adventures involved in a journey. While we seek comfort, stability and peace, our experience in life tells us that those qualities are likely found in the future. In a journey, we begin to develop a yearning for “rest.”
• Most of our journeys involve traveling companions. We rarely journey distances alone. Travel can be difficult, even if it is just the inconvenience of luggage and transportation. It is easier when we travel with a companion. Comparing life to a journey nudges me to pay attention to the companions that God has given me for my experiences.
• A journey makes me focus on the process of getting there, not the arrival. Christians are living a life which transforms us into the image of Christ. Each day – each step on our journey – brings me closer to the life that God created us to enjoy.

But our journey is not conducted without a “road map” which helps guide our direction. When the phrase “in truth” is added, the Bible implies there is direction in our walk.

Walk in Truth

“Teach me Your way, O Lord; I will walk in Your truth” (Psalm 86:11). The Psalmist captures both images in the phrase. In the Old Testament, the truth was indicative for following the commands of the Law. When we walked in truth, we walked in a way that was pleasing to the Lord, following His commands.

“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. I have taken an oath and confirmed it, that I will follow your righteous laws” (Psalm 119:105-112 NIV). Continuing with the image of life being a journey, God’s word is seen as a lamp for the feet, a light upon the path. We walk in truth when we follow God’s direction to our path.

Isn’t it interesting that Jesus used the same imagery? Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6 NIV). We cannot get to heaven by keeping the Law, because none of us can keep the Law. The real way – the path we should be on in this life journey – is Jesus.

But even then, we do not “journey” alone. Paul writes, “But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh” (Galatians 5:16). He continues writing in this chapter to describe the “fruit” of living a Spirit-filled life.

Hope this helps!