Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives.
Galatians 5:25 NLT
Iva abruptly stopped on our regular route for no apparent reason. I redirected her, “Iva, forward.” She glanced ahead and right back at me. I squatted next to her, stretching my hand ahead of me, hoping I wouldn’t find a dead bird or even worse, a live snake, but I found nothing. I trusted Iva, so we crossed the street and moved past the unknown obstacle from the opposite side. I never learned the reason Iva stopped that day.
I could have charged ahead, unsure of what was there, but I know something undetectable to me existed, and I trusted my other set of eyes.
My friend, that’s a portrait of walking in the Holy Spirit. If we desire to live a Spirit-filled life, we must live a Spirit-led life.
Three things are involved in walking: destination, motion, and dependence.
First, we have a destination. We may face conflict if we focus on a fleshly goal, rather than the desired path the Spirit leads us on. That accounts for many of our problems. We are trying to walk two paths or we are traveling the wrong one.
Next, walking involves action. Something’s happening. Even when God tells us to wait, He usually enlists us in another activity. Is there spiritual movement in our lives? Does evidence exist to prove we are moving forward and we haven’t stalled out?
Walking requires dependence. In order to walk, my legs must work. All the nerves, ligaments, muscles, tendons and bones must coordinate with one another. We also must fuel our physical bodies with food to grant us the energy to walk. Without sustenance, we will eventually collapse.
Our spiritual walk requires a dependence on the Holy Spirit. I’ve learned that a morning prayer doesn’t cut it. I must pray without ceasing (1 Thes.5:17). If I have an all-day journey, I need an all-day nourished Spirit.
The Greek word used in our verse is “stoicheo.” The NLT translates it as “leading.” The KJV translates it as” walking,” and the ESV translates it as “keep in step with.” “stoicheo“” connotes something different than merely walking. It means “to line up.” Imagine a commander with his soldiers marching in step with their leader. That’s what’s meant here.
Iva might have kept me from harm. I allowed her to lead me. I kept in step with her. I need to apply this same submission to the Spirit when He leads. God never forces us to follow the Holy Spirit. We must willingly submit.
We can examine our lives by prayerfully considering the following questions:
- Am I moving forward on a spiritual path?
- 0Am I headed to God’s destination?
- How often do I pray?
- Am I self-reliant, or am I totally depending on the Holy Spirit?
- Is He my commander?
God will shed light on our answers when we seek His truth and truly long to be led by the Spirit.
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Originally posted on May 22, 2020 @ 3:08 am