Following the Spirit's Lead
What does it mean to "keep in step" with the Spirit?
If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit (Galatians 5:25).
This is how we actively demonstrate the new life generated by the Spirit. Note how Paul combines a statement of fact regarding our status (we live) with an imperative command (let us keep in step). The status highlights God's gracious gift: our freedom in Christ and the life bestowed by the Spirit. In contrast, the imperative stresses our responsibility.
“Keep in step” is a military term referring to marching in a straight line or orderly rows. The Spirit sets the direction and pace for us to follow. Staying in sync with the Spirit necessitates continuous focus and discipline, engaging our entire being. In a world filled with differing paths and distractions, we must intentionally reject these distractions to adhere to the Spirit's guidance. This discipline requires our active and unwavering commitment.
How to Keep Pace
Be decisive
We must make a decisive commitment to move forward. The example of Elisha in 1 Kings 19:19-21 highlights the importance of prompt and complete decision-making. Despite his comfortable life, Elisha's unwavering response to God's call demonstrated his decisiveness. His actions, such as informing his parents without delay and sacrificing everything, symbolized his faith. Just as Elisha's commitment was unwavering, we, too, must embrace our new life with decisiveness. Paul's transformative experience in Philippians 3:3-7 underscores the importance of walking away from the past and looking ahead with hope.
Forgive Yourself When You Fail
Many individuals define themselves by their past mistakes, allowing these errors to hinder their self-confidence and progress. However, Scripture reminds us of our human condition, acknowledging our tendency to sin, Romans 3.23, 1 John 1.8. It is crucial to confront our sins honestly, seeking God's complete forgiveness, as He readily forgives, Psalm 103.12, Hebrews 7.25. Trusting God and His promises allows us to release self-condemnation and forgive ourselves. In Colossians 2.13-14, we are reminded that God has forgiven all our trespasses, and all our sins have been paid for. Embracing God's forgiveness enables us to move forward without being defined by our past.
Depend on God
This is done by:
Emptying yourself of self-reliance: Recognize that the old self is dead, and victory over the flesh relies on God's strength, Ephesians 6.10-13, Ephesians 1.19, 2 Corinthians 12.9-10.
Seeking God in prayer: A consistent prayer life aids in overcoming recurring sins of the flesh, as God provides an escape from temptation (Philippians 4.6, 1 Corinthians 1013).
Remembering God's forgiveness: By living within His forgiveness, we allow God to define us by the blood of His Son, not our past sins, Romans 8.1-2, Romans 8.29, Philippians 1.6).
Move forward in humble Oobedience. Dependence on God involves obediently following His guidance through the Holy Spirit and His Word (Galatians 5.18, Colossians 3.16). Trusting God's ways and submitting to His will demonstrate our reliance on Him for strength and guidance (1 Corinthians 10.13).
In Conclusion
Walking in step with the Spirit is both a privilege and a responsibility. While God graciously grants us new life through His Spirit, we must actively follow His lead with discipline, humility, and trust. This requires decisiveness in embracing our faith, the ability to forgive ourselves as God forgives us, and a deep reliance on Him for strength and guidance. As we surrender to His will and reject distractions, we align ourselves with His purpose and experience the fullness of life in Christ. Let us, therefore, move forward in faith, keeping in step with the Spirit every day.