Verse: Galatians 5:16-18
16 So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.

Thoughts
I love the imagery that “walk by the Spirit” evokes. It can be easy to compartmentalize our faith into Sunday mornings and maybe personal times of study and prayer. But God isn’t restricted by those times. He desires to be in constant communion with us—to literally “walk with us” every step of our lives.

It evokes images of God walking in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:8) and presumably talking with Adam and Eve. And it reminds us of Jesus telling us to “remain” in him and in his love, as he remains in the Father’s love (John 15).

Walking isn’t flashy. It’s not running or jumping. It’s the most basic mode of “transportation.” And I think that’s also part of the point. Following God isn’t often flashy. It’s not a bunch of “home run” or “mountaintop” experiences. Sure they happen sometimes. But most often following Jesus is the daily, step by step, moment by moment, walk of obedience.

When we run, we often get ahead of the Spirit. When we refuse to follow, we often get off the path of the Spirit. Simple, step by step obedience, is the path to life.

Walking by the Spirit requires us to be in tune with the Spirit. It requires us to be people who listen, who lean in to what God is saying, to be sensitive to the gentle promptings of the Spirit throughout the day.

Maybe the Spirit will lead you to pray for someone? Or serve someone? Or pause and be still with Him? Or text that friend who’s been down? Or maybe he’ll give you an idea at work or at school that is the perfect idea? Or give you wisdom for a friend in need? Or maybe you are going through a painful time, and you really need to take things just one step at a time.

As we learn to take step after step with the Spirit, we will truly be “led by the Spirit” and this will revolutionize our lives. One step at a time.

Prayer
Help me, Jesus, to walk with you each step, one step at a time.

Author: Christian Dunn