“KEEPING IN STEP WITH THE SPIRIT”
(Galatians 5:1-6:18; 1 Corinthians 1:1-3:23)
“Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.” – Galatians 5:25
This morning I took my 20-month-old grandson for a walk. Or at least, I tried to. One moment, he was running ahead; the next, veering toward the road. A couple of times, he darted into neighbors’ lawns, fascinated by pumpkins or to chase a squirrel. When a bus roared by, he turned and ran after the bus! I found myself constantly running this way and that, trying to keep him safe and guide him forward.
Paul’s instruction to the Galatians—“keep in step with the Spirit”—uses the Greek word stoicheō, which means “to walk in line with” or “to be in line with.” This makes me think of soldiers marching in rhythm, each step guided by their leader’s pace and directions. I wonder how often my walk with God looks more like my walk with my grandson rather than soldiers following their leader. I am prone to rush ahead with my own plans or to be easily distracted by whatever catches my attention. When this happens, I lose the rhythm of grace and often find myself exhausted.
Galatians 5:25 in The Message Bible reads, “ Since this is the kind of life we have chosen, the life of the Spirit, let us make sure that we do not just hold it as an idea in our heads or a sentiment in our hearts, but work out its implications in every detail of our lives.” What would it look like if we kept fully in step with the Spirit today?
As we stay close to the One leading us and walk obediently, we are in the right atmosphere to grow. He produces the fruit of His presence in us–love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. As we stay close to our Heavenly Father, we are empowered to crucify our “fleshly” (worldly) passions and desires and live in unity with our fellow believers (v. 24-26).
Just as I wanted my grandson to stay near me, God desires the same for us. The Spirit doesn’t push or chase; He invites us to walk beside Him.
Simple Truth:
Since the Spirit gives us life, we are called to stay in line with Him—sensing, obeying, and trusting His rhythm, direction, and pace.
Reflections:
- What areas are you tempted to rush ahead or drift away from the Spirit’s leading?
- Which fruit of the Spirit do you sense God wanting to grow in you?
- How does knowing the Spirit empowers your walk, not just commands it, encourage you today?
Application:
- Yield control to the Holy Spirit today, trusting He will guide each step and decision.
- Pause when hurried or frustrated, listening for the Spirit’s quiet direction before reacting.
- Intentionally look to cultivate the fruit of the Spirit—choose love, patience, joy, and gentleness in small daily moments.
Closing Prayer:
Heavenly Father, I worship You! You are the creator of heaven and earth. You are the One who has given me life and sustains my life day by day. Thank you for Jesus and the redemption He provides through His death and resurrection. Help me to live in step with Your Holy Spirit today. Work in me, cultivating the fruit of Your Spirit. Convict me of fleshly and worldly desires, thoughts, words, and acts. Forgive me and help me to stay close to You. May I reflect You this day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
About our Author
Marcia Rainey is a wife, mother, Nana, and retired educator who served eight years as principal and 11 years as a middle school Bible and science teacher at Hawthorne Christian Academy. She now spends her days with her grandson and enjoys baking, long walks with her husband, and the view from any mountain or beach. She is thrilled to be part of the TLC family serving with the children’s, life group, and women’s ministry teams.
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