Philippians 3:16 “Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing.”
To “walk”, in this context, is to move forward as a military unit does in a large formation, all in perfect alignment, all in step with each other, all facing forward, all following the Commands of the Commander. The “rule” refers to that which aligns us and keeps us in formation and in step; a builder also uses a “rule” to measure and properly position the various parts of a building under construction. In context, every one of us is to “walk” (live and behave) in a humble and contrite manner that reflects our understanding that we are not “righteous” on our own account, but we are made Eternally Righteous by our Lord’s perfect Sacrifice for us. We are to reflect this true humility in every aspect of our lives, most especially in the House of God, among the Children of God, before the Lord God our Savior. The Lord was illustrating the application of this “rule” when He Washed His Disciples Feet (John 13). For, the Children of God, Born of the Holy Spirit, instinctively recognize their depraved state in nature and their inability to make themselves “righteous”. But human nature entices us “to establish” our “own righteousness” and not to submit ourselves “unto the righteousness of God” (Romans 10:3). But, the Gospel Message teaches that “by one man’s [Adam’s] disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one [Jesus Christ] shall many be made righteous” (Romans 5:19) and that God the Father “hath made him [Jesus Christ] to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him” (II Corinthians 5:21). Therefore, “Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.” (Romans 6:18). So, we are charged to “be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves” (Matthew 10:16), “Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.” (Luke 6:36), and “Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; 2 And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.” (Ephesians 5:1-2). Let every one of us labor to live by this blessed “rule” for loving humility!