This memory from when our kids were in high school reminds me of my husband’s passion for mountain climbing.

There were several adventures that he embarked on with various athletic people. On one particular excursion, he was reminded how even one misstep by anyone in the party could mean demise for everyone.

In the body of Christ (the church), we are part of a living and breathing organism, dependent on the head (Christ Jesus the Lord). The Holy Spirit indwells each believer in the body, sealing them for the day of redemption.

By keeping in step with the Spirit, we are united in the advance of God’s kingdom and purpose on earth. Lord, help us to avoid conceit and anything that breaks our unity with You.

The desires of the flesh are opposed to those of the Spirit. Whenever the law is at the helm, we are emboldening the flesh and plenty of missteps can happen.

Whenever our Lord, Christ Jesus, is at the helm we are reminded of the crucifixion. Yes, His suffering for our forgiveness puts it all in perspective. It is not my puny works of righteousness but His death, burial and resurrection that seal my salvation.

How willing am I to yield myself to such a selfless love? Which begs the question, how will the world know we are Christians? They will know it by our love for one another in the church, worldwide.

Let’s keep in step today (with the Spirit) because the watching “world” is waiting for a reason more compelling than law bound, intellectual arguments to be saved. -Teresa #heartofGod #John3:16

Galatians 5: 16-26 (ESV)

Keep in Step with the Spirit

¹⁶ But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. ¹⁷ For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. ¹⁸ But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. ¹⁹ Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality,²⁰ idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, ²¹ envy,^[a]drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do^[b] such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. ²² But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, ²³ gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. ²⁴ And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.

²⁵ If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. ²⁶ Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.Read full chapter

Footnotes

1. Galatians 5:21 Some manuscripts add murder
2. Galatians 5:21 Or make a practice of doing