Bryan and I try to walk about 3 miles a day. Try is probably the operative word at the moment, as the last several months have been a bit spotty. Nonetheless, we have learned over the last few years just how important these walks are for us. Not only do they get our heart rate up (there are lots of hills where we live) and keep us moving, but it has also been an invaluable time to talk, share our hearts, learn better what the other person is thinking (and the "why" behind what they do!), strategize in regards to family and ministry, and connect without 6 pairs of ears trying to eavesdrop or interrupt our conversation every few minutes. :)Yet, as I have been studying Galatians chapter 5, I am reminded that there is a walk that is far more critical to my wellbeing than my walk with Bryan. One that is far more necessary than the hour I enjoy with Bryan. A walk that cannot be missed for even a day without leaving a trail of sin in it's wake.
It's a walk with the Spirit.
We are called to walk by the Spirit (vs.16), be led by the Spirit (vs.18), to live by the Spirit (vs.25), and to keep in step with the Spirit (vs. 25)...all in one chapter. Those are pretty comprehensive commands that could leave us feeling just a tad overwhelmed if it wasn't for one little word: "by". The word "by" means "identifying the agent performing an action." Did you get that? All the living, leading, and walking is brought about BY the Spirit! As a result, we are able to "keep in step" with the Spirit because He is the one living, leading, and walking through us!
And as we keep in step with the Spirit, we receive the sweet fruit of righteousness in our own lives and, by His grace, impart that fruit to those around us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness and self-control. That is one loaded fruit tree...and that is one beautiful life!
I pray we might be those who purpose to keep in step with the Spirit as we fix our eyes on Jesus and depend fully on Him...knowing that every step is made possible by the Spirit's sustaining power. It's the walk of faith. It's the walk of true life. It's the most important walk we can take as we journey towards heaven. And it's a walk we will never take alone...because it's Holy Spirit walking! :)
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