Walking in Newness of Life
Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. (Romans 6:4)
Happy New Year, Southern Family!
This morning, I came across an opinion piece by Jean Case, Chair of the National Geographic Society, where she gave this simple challenge: “Make 2026 the year you step outside for at least 10 to 20 minutes every day.”1 She cited a Stanford University meta-analysis of 449 studies, which shows that regular exposure to nature, even in urban environments, significantly improves mood, stress, and anxiety. She also wrote, “Research shows that proximity to nature correlates with higher neighborhood social cohesion. Walking with others reduces isolation.” Who knew that something so simple could have such lasting benefits? Just as walking with others reduces isolation and being outside is restorative, Paul reminds us that our greatest walking partner is Jesus, who lovingly draws us out of our old ways and into newness of life.
As we prepare for a new year, how can we also experience a new kind of life promised in Romans? Paul gives at least three ways that we can walk in the newness of life. I have chosen the metaphor of walking to make the points stick. I hope it helps:
Be all in: In the original Greek, the word translated as baptism meant to plunge and is the same word used for dyeing cloth. The cloth was submerged until the dye completely changed it. Baptism into Christ conveys the same idea; we are immersed in the saving waters of grace, so that His empowering forgiveness changes the very fabric of our character. Even before you take the first step, choose to be all in since it is hard (and awkward) trying to finish the journey when only one foot is fully committed.
Stay fueled: Just as long walks require energy, the same is true of walking in newness of life. Paul reminds us that this new life is not sustained by willpower or discipline alone, but by the same resurrection power that raised Christ from the dead. Here, Paul provides great hope by writing that this power is graciously shared with us through union with Jesus.
Follow directions: Walking with Jesus not only depicts fellowship with Jesus, but it also signifies a shared direction. To walk with Him means we have chosen His path over our own. When we ask Him for His leading in our lives, we are also declaring we are willing to follow His direction.
As we look toward 2026, some of us feel excited about what is ahead, while others may be carrying anxiety or silent fears about what this year might bring. May I suggest, instead of trying to predict what will happen this year, perhaps the better question is, who are we choosing to walk with as we enter it?
I am grateful to be part of a community at Southern that seeks to follow Jesus, and this year's challenge for us is to invite others to do the same. This new year, our walk with Jesus does not need to be reserved for vespers, convocation, or morning meditations; it can also be in the everyday moments of our lives. As Ellen White writes, “As you walk the streets, as you work about your house, you can communicate with your Lord. Lay hold upon Him by living faith, and believe the word of God to the letter.”2 We may not know what the future holds in 2026, but when we choose to walk with Jesus, we can believe His word and know who holds our future.
REFLECTION
As you step into 2026, who are you most consciously “walking with” day to day - your fears, your ambitions, your community, or Jesus? How can you tell?
If baptism means being fully immersed in Christ so that His life reshapes your identity, where do you still find yourself wearing old labels or expectations rather than who you are in Him?
Instead of asking, “What will 2026 bring?” how might your year change if you regularly asked, “Am I walking in step with Jesus today?”
