Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other. (Galatians 5:24-26)
My two-year-old energetic dog, Emma, follows the commands “sit,” “down,” “come,” and “stay.” But she won’t “heel.” By chasing a squirrel or changing direction, she pulls me off my feet. So I find other ways to exercise her.
God must also feel frustrated when we don’t keep in step with his Spirit because he can’t walk with us or use us. We miss out on our dreams. And when we don’t let the Spirit lead us, we become proud, obstinate, and jealous. Those don’t produce fruit.
When we believe in Jesus, God places his Spirit inside us. But it’s our job to crucify the passions and desires of the flesh. We can only do that by praying to make the Spirit’s will ours before we step off the path.
Father, I praise you for giving me your Spirit. It is an honor to have part of you living within me. In return, help me keep in step with the Spirit who enables me to love and follow my dreams. Remind me to pray. In Jesus’ name, amen.
What a great analogy! I just finished my morning prayer which included you and your family, the new babies, and the baby in Lexi. I asked God to point me in the right direction to solve 2 different problems. I also asked for the spirit to be within me to keep me strong and free of anxiety. It sure can be hard adulting in the world we live in now. I am praying the spirit is with in me as I take the walk.
Thank you for your encouragement. I just prayed for you also. I know God will answer your prayers. Keep praying. It’s hard to believe God is in charge of our world that is going downhill so rapidly. But he is and knows what he’s doing. Keep the faith. The Spirit is with you.