Keeping In Step

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Scripture: Galatians 5:25 (NIV)
"Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit."

Devotion:

Paul's sentence is brief, but it carries the whole logic of the Christian life: an indicative followed by an imperative. "Since we live by the Spirit" is the statement of fact; "let us keep in step with the Spirit" is the call that flows from it. Scripture consistently grounds our obedience in what God has already done, never the other way around.

Consider first the indicative. We live by the Spirit. This is not a status we hope to attain but the present condition of every believer. Apart from Christ, we were dead in trespasses and sins, and the Spirit made us alive, bringing us to repentance and faith. Jesus told Nicodemus that no one can see the kingdom of God without being born of the Spirit. Our new life is His gift, real and undeserved.

Now consider the imperative. The word Paul chooses for "keep in step" is a military term, picturing soldiers marching in line behind their commander. It suggests order, direction, and deliberate following. The Spirit leads; we follow. We do not set the pace or wander off to chart our own course. Immediately before this verse, Paul lists the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. We do not manufacture these achievements; the Spirit cultivates this character as we walk with Him.

How do we keep in step? The Spirit has not left us guessing. He speaks in the Scriptures He inspired, and He works through the ordinary means of grace: the Word read and preached, the sacraments, prayer, and the fellowship of the saints. The Spirit will never lead us contrary to His own Word. Those who claim His guidance while disregarding Scripture have already fallen out of step.

Keeping step also requires attentiveness. A soldier distracted by every passing noise soon drifts from the line. So too with us. The pull of the flesh and the clamor of the age are constant, and we must return again and again to the One who leads.

Take heart. The same Spirit who gave you life will faithfully sustain it. Walk with Him today, one step at a time.

 

Prayer

Holy Spirit, we thank You for making us alive in Christ. Lead us by Your Word, and keep us from straying after the desires of the flesh. Grant us the grace to follow where You lead, that the fruit of Your work may be seen in our lives, to the glory of the Father and the Son. Amen.

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