There aren’t many things on TV these days that I wouldn’t be bothered about missing. However, one programme Amanda and I used to follow avidly was the West Wing. Probably the most famous story-telling technique used in this show was the “walk and talk”.
It seemed a lot of the real dialogue and decision making didn’t happen so much in quiet rooms, but in the in-between moments. Characters were on their way to do something, have a meeting, sit down in their office, do a briefing, whatever it might be. Yet an awful lot of the stuff that mattered was getting done as they walked and talked along the way.
When Jesus said things like “remain in me” and “rest in me”; and talked about the Holy Spirit (parakletos – literally “called alongside to help”) being with us to guide us, direct us, and help us; I think this is the kind of thing he had in mind.
Yes, we need to take time out, and set time aside to be alone with God to learn from him and be strengthened by him. It doesn’t end there, though.
God wants us to walk and talk: To experience fellowship and conversation with him as we go about our daily lives. It’s then that he’s able to use us, direct us, and provide the strength we need.
“I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5
Filed under: Christian Life
