GALATIANS 5:25

Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.

TO PONDER

When I pondered this verse to write this devotion, two things came to mind. 1. a ‘two-way street’, and 2. a three-legged race. 

“The term ‘two-way Street’ refers to a situation or relationship that requires reciprocal action or effort by both parties involved.” Definitions often make reference to equal actions or efforts from both parties. 

However, in our ‘two-way street’ relationship with God, the effort from both parties is far from equal. God has won our freedom through the death of His son on the cross and His Easter Sunday resurrection. Additionally, God has chosen each one of us and brought us into His family through our baptism where His Holy Spirit took up residence in our hearts providing us with new life in Him.

From our side, what we are asked in this disproportionate two-way street relationship then, is to daily focus on keeping in step with the spirit. 

This was where the three-legged race came to mind for me. The request to keep in step with the spirit, had me visualising a ‘three-legged’ race (which I’m sure you have all experienced at one time during your lives).  Walking or keeping in step is not easy but it dawned on me that to conquer a three-legged race, one person ideally needs to let the other person lead, putting their total trust in him or her and then follow their guide.

Walking in step with the spirit is exactly this. Allowing Him to shape our daily actions as He walks with us. Walking in sync with God’s pace in our decisions, relationships and our own spiritual growth. Letting Him guide us in every aspect of our lives. Don’t rush ahead, or lag behind Him thinking we know better through selfish impulses or sinful desires.

And whilst the ask of us is not a simple one, by grace we have been blessed by new life with the Spirit, and given that He has promised to be with us always, to the very end of the age. (Matthew 20: 28), our required effort is to commit ourselves and lives to Him, to daily walk in sync and freely let Him lead us.

PRAYER: Heavenly Leader and Guide. Thank you that I am tied to you through your actions to bring me into your family through Holy baptism. Help me to put my total trust in You and let You guide and lead me every step of my journey here on earth so I am truly living through Your Spirit daily.  Amen     

Today's devotion written by Sane Burdack, LifeWay Epping