Walking
with
GOD

Walk in Unity

Can two walk together,
unless they are agreed?
(Amos 3:3)

Many people mistake correlation for causation. That is, seeing two events in close proximity to each other, they make a leap in logic that one caused the other. For instance, when I moved into a small town in eastern Illinois, the local high school football team had not won a single game during the previous four years. However, this hapless team won the very first game they played after I moved to town. Immediately I called the former preacher to let him know of my miraculous influence on the fortune of the local team. He just as quickly reminded me not to mistake correlation for causation. I laughed anyway.

The same thing can happen in other areas; mistaking correlation for causation. Suppose you observe two individuals walking down a city street, both headed in the same direction at the same time, and walking side-by-side. Say one is female and the other male. Are they married? Or let’s say they are two men. Are they gay, or simply co-workers headed to lunch? But why suppose they know one another at all. It may simply be mere coincidence that the two are traveling in the same direction, at the same time. Correlation, but no causation.

Many commute to work daily, driving on the freeway, headed in the same direction. It is highly possible, given their work schedule, that some travel that route together every day, side-by-side. There is, however, no relationship between them as they travel along, alone in their own vehicle.

What is missing in correlation is purpose. There is no cause and effect relationship. When we read the words from the prophet, Amos, we understand his rhetorical question requires causation, rather than correlation. The two have agreed, that is, purposed to walk together.

Our relationship with Jesus is to be more than mere correlation, that is, Jesus just happens to be going where we have already determined to go. Should we decide to take another course different from the one Jesus is traveling, the correlation will come to an end.

Jesus requires of us a purposeful decision to follow Him. Jesus requires causation, rather than correlation. Jesus requires purpose, rather than a momentary, chance encounter.

Jesus has already determined to walk with us. He died for us that we may walk with Him. The decision we each must purposefully make is, do we choose to walk with Him?