One of the earliest “titles” of Christianity is “the Way” (Acts 9:2).

The word translated “way” from Greek refers to “way of life.” It speaks of those who follow the teachings of Jesus (the New Testament had yet to be written), understanding it to be the true way of life in relation to God and the only right way to walk as one finds salvation in Christ.

A way can be understood as a line leading to a place or a point. It can also mean the path leading to the attainment of something desired. Both present an accurate picture of the Christian life.

It reminds me of Paul’s words, “Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me His own” (Philippians 3:12).

Paul does not claim perfection.

He is still involved in the struggles of life in a fallen world. He understands that the full glory of the resurrection, his completion in Christ, remains in the future. Still, he walks “the Way,” pressing on. There is a balance between faith and works. The believer does not work their way to salvation but does good works because they are saved. It’s “the Way.”

One may ask, “Is it possible to never stray from the path?”

I would assume so, but I must admit neither I nor anyone I’ve ever met has successfully done so. Perhaps, it’s best then to understand that the call is to never stop growing in Christ, to never give up, or, as Paul writes, “press on.” Don’t stop engaging in the spiritual disciplines, allowing one’s faith to be stretched, learning from the successes and failures of life, and following the Lord’s leading in the knowledge that He will never give up on you. As the psalmist declares, “You, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness” (Psalm 86:15). Paul writes to his young protégé Timothy, “if we are faithless, he remains faithful— for He cannot deny himself” (2 Timothy 2:13). Paul is not providing Timothy an excuse to fall short. Still, he declares that we’ll discover in any failure, other than denying Christ, that God will always help us get back on the right path.

I like that the early Christians were called “the Way.”

They were not part of “a” way. Some believe there are many ways to God.

Jesus makes it clear that this is simply no so, when He proclaims, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). There is one true way to salvation, only one right way to live and both are found in Jesus Christ and in Him alone.

When we come to Jesus, receiving Him for who He genuinely is, Savior and Lord, we must follow Him, walking “the Way.” He empowers us to do so by His very Spirit. Like Paul, I don’t walk it perfectly, but I still walk it and will never give up doing so, even after over four decades of walking with Christ. After all, it’s the path providing abundant life. It is “the Way.” Soli Deo Gloria (Glory to God Alone)!