Recently, gait analysis software has found that an individual’s gait, or the way they walk, is like a fingerprint. Under the right conditions gait analysis can be used to identify a person without needing fingerprints or the high-resolution images needed for facial recognition. There is uniqueness to our walk, but comparisons can tell us even more. Gait analysis can also be used to detect health, injury, and even an individual’s history. I watched a father and son run down the road last week. Before distinctive facial characteristics came into focus, a familial relationship was apparent by the way they ran. Their gait appeared identical. This has a lot to do with biological similarities and heredity, but gait traits can also be learned. From a young age, children are literally walking in the footsteps of those around them.

 

Our spiritual gait traits also reveal who we learn from. 1 John 2:6 says whoever abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked. Jesus spiritual walk reveals knees toughened by hours of prayer, legs strengthened by lifting brothers, an enduring pace of humble service, and a sure step revealing faith in the Father and hope of home. If we know Jesus, we will walk like him. Verse four says we learn his gait traits by keeping his commands.

 

Learning to walk takes time. Retraining to walk like Jesus is no different. Often our gait reveals old injuries from countless missteps, but we must retrain and stop walking in ways that inhibit our potential. 1 John 1:6-9 teaches us that our whole lives will be spent learning to walk like Jesus. But, as long as we are training in the light, we have fellowship with him. What do your gait traits reveal about who you follow and who you keep fellowship with?