In the book of Galatians, the Bible gives powerful instructions on “walking in the Spirit.” I think in terms of pictures so my word picture for that phrase is a group of people marching “IN STEP.” It’s a beautiful thing to see a well-rehearsed marching band walking in step and formation while they play music at half-time of a game. When they are hitting their marks it is an amazing thing to see. It’s always amazed me because I sometimes have trouble walking and chewing gum at the same time without hurting myself.
These instructions are clear and can help us because, essentially, we will be walking as Jesus walked if we are “in step” with the Holy Spirit. I saw these truths and principles as I studied the passage:
There’s a rhythm to keeping in step.
Can you imagine what it would look and sound like if the members of a 100-person band were marching to whatever song they wanted to at the same time? What if the lead soldier varied his 1, 2, 3, 4, count? Either of those situations would make for a very unpleasant experience for everyone.
For a group to be in step, there must be a rhythm to create the mark. Our rhythm as believers is our connection to the Holy Spirit of God through prayer and His Word. With the world and our flesh vying to set our rhythm, we must pay careful attention to the things of God.
Keeping in step takes practice.
What we see on the field at half-time is the result of hours and hours of practice, discipline, correction, and perseverance. It’s not a chance happening or showing up one time a week for the performance. It’s a daily practice.
In the old A-Team television show, when everything fell into place, the leader would say, “I love it when a plan comes together.” Let’s not rely on “chance” to keep in step with the Spirit, instead let’s purposefully stay in close contact with God through prayer and Bible study. Then we can watch Him work in us, through us, and around us.
Keeping in step brings fruitful results!
When you keep in step with the Spirit you’ll see the fruit of the Spirit growing in you. Galatians 5:22-23 is one of my favorite passages in the Bible. Just like a crisp, sharp, march gives evidence that a band or troop is together; the fruit of the Spirit growing in my life reveals the evidence that I’m in step with the Holy Spirit of God.
Let me remind you that fruit grows from a seed and it grows in healthy soil. Since there’s nothing wrong with the seed– because it’s from God – if there’s a fruit problem, it’s with the soil of our heart. Don’t let the soil of your heart keep you from growing. Work it, nurture it, and keep it free of weeds so that the Spirit can do the wonderful work that God has given Him to do.
Take a long look at the list of the fruit.
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
Galatians 5:22-23
Please take a healthy check on the soil of your heart and make the wise choice to keep in step with the Spirit.
I’m thankful & grateful to serve with you!