“But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh…But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace…” Gal. 5:16, 22
June 1, 2022
Have you noticed that no two people walk exactly alike, but they are walking. As Christians we have different gaits (like a horse), but we are moving. How about those daily decisions we make? We are to keep in step with the Spirit. Walking in the Spirit is living according to the dictates of the Spirit. These are not subjective impulses. As we come to know the Holy Spirit there will be a change in the way we think about about and act toward other people. We make choices to do what is best for others regardless of the cost. There will also be a growing ability to be patient with others in thought, words, and deeds, giving others time to respond to God’s grace. We have to remember that growth (walking the distance) takes time. Am I responding to troubles and conflict with others better than I use to? Christian growth is normal, or shall we say, it is expected. The person who says he or she is a Christian and there is nothing but bare branches on the tree of my life is not a good sign. Also, Christian growth is simultaneous and varying in rates of growth in different areas of our life. We can grow stronger in some areas of life while growing more slowly in other areas. Before we leave this. Is joy working its way from inside out? A plastic plum is not the same as a sweet, delicious, tree ripened plum. If we are walking by the Spirit, we will be conscious of struggles against sin. The flesh won’t be leading us into battles with the flesh. The Holy Spirit exposes our need, excites a desire for holiness, and enables us to overcome sin. H
A time to pray: “Heavenly Father, I thank you for the gift of the Holy Spirit. Keep me from grieving Him with my injurious tongue and any sin that constrains His enabling power in my life.”