Can Two Walk Together?

Subject: Can Two Walk Together? Thu Oct 09, 2008 11:11 pm

Can Two Walk Together?
Pastor James Groce

Can two walk together, except they be agreed?
Amos 3:3

While it seems that many advocate that it is possible for two to walk together when not agreed, the question, however, was not meant to be debatable, it is a statement of fact. It is the Bible’s way of asking a question that is not a question. “How shall we escape if we neglect so great salvation?” Is another example of the same use of making a statement in query form.

There seems to be many today that think Amos was asking a question and was seeking an answer as to how to accomplish a duo of harmony out of two opposing beliefs. And apparently some seem to think they have discovered an answer to give to poor clueless Amos. The current “bridge-building” to the Trinitarians seems to one such example, along with those amazing problem solvers that have learned to not let holiness become a obstacle to fellowship with the world. Ah, Amos! Seems that many have an answer for you today. It may have taken a while, but they finally came through for you! I know you are grateful.

However, some of us still cannot deduce how one overcomes the following laws pertaining to walking together:

Any two who wish to walk together must agree on certain basics: timing, pace, destination, direction and purpose.

TIMING. Walking together demands agreement in timing: when and how long shall we walk. "Can two walk together, except they be agreed" in timing? Of course not. All other factors being equal, if they start out even 30 seconds apart they cannot walk together. In a spiritual sense, will you walk by the world's schedule or by God's? In this life you never walk alone; timing often determines (or at least reveals) who your travel companion is. Anyone outside of the full salvation of Acts 2:38 is out of time with God!

PACE. Walking together requires agreement in pace: what shall be our rate of travel. "Can two walk together, except they be agreed" on the pace? Not for very long! Though they may start out together, a difference in pace will soon separate them. Spiritually we must keep our eyes on the Master or our pace shall become synchronized with that of the world. For the record, no one sets his own pace. Jer 6:16, “Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein.” The highway of holiness is still the right path. Isa 35:8,9, “And an highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it; but it shall be for those: the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein. No lion shall be there, nor any ravenous beast shall go up thereon, it shall not be found there; but the redeemed shall walk there:” The world walks to the beat of a different drummer. God’s people are to keep pace with God—not men!

DESTINATION. Walking together supposes agreement in destination: where shall we go. "Can two walk together, except they be agreed" in destination? Not for the long term. Especially if the destinations are in opposite directions or at right angles to each other. Starting out with Jesus is not enough; to have walked together with Him you need to still be with Him at the walk's end. Why some say “All roads lead to Rome,” we must remember it is not Rome that we are headed toward! The New Birth experience is the only way to enter the kingdom of God; “Except a man be born of water and Spirit he CANNOT enter!” Heaven is a common word—but not a common destination!

DIRECTION. Walking together presumes agreement in direction: what route shall we take. "Can two walk together, except they be agreed" in direction? Hardly. Even if the course we chart differs only by half a degree, we shall eventually be walking separately. In the spiritual dimension, are you walking straight with the Lord or are you twisting, turning and backtracking with the world? And make certain that in carelessness or curiosity you do not steer a course that is different from the Lord's even by the minutest degree! The revelation of the Mighty

God in Christ sets a direction that cannot be compromised with anyone! Holiness of mind, body and spirit sets a direction the world does not wish to follow.

PURPOSE. Walking together hinges on agreement in purpose: why shall we do this. "Can two walk together, except they be agreed" in purpose? Never! You see, purpose governs the other areas of agreement we've noted here. The spiritual application cannot be escaped: our purpose in life's walk both determines and reveals with whom we walk together. If salvation can be accomplished by any other method than Acts 2:38 then hands can be linked to any so-called, card-signing, accepting-the-Lord, water-sprinkling, sensor-swinging, angel-worshipping adherents, BUT if Acts 2:38 obedience in fullness is the only plan of salvation then it is impossible to have a common purpose with those that do not preach and teach the same!

There you have it. With whom are you walking? Then that's with whom you are in agreement. If the answer makes you at all uncomfortable, beware! Evaluate these five criteria in your own life, make the necessary corrections and modifications . . . and walk with the Lord!

Pastor James Groce
Bro. Groce is Pastor of Calvary Apostolic Tabernacle in Molino, Florida.