So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves. Galatians 5:16 NLT
Walking in the Spirit is one of the areas of Christian living that is often confused and misrepresented. It can be twisted and shaped into a formula, a list of things to do and not do, Nothing could be further from the truth and freedom of walking in the Spirit. This walk is a dynamic, daily relationship with a Person – the Holy Spirit.
Walking in the Spirit means developing a close relationship of living in daily dependence on the Holy Spirit to guide you, empower you, and influence your every thought, action, and decision.
When you walk in the Spirit, that relationship replaces the checklist of rules we often formulate in our own inferior efforts to manage our lives. Walking in the Spirit is not about memorizing steps, but about walking with a Person (the Holy Spirit), who is "He" not an "it.”
While walking in the Spirit requires intentional surrender, constant communication, and reliance on His power, it is not about self-effort or accomplishment. It is not about disciplining yourself to be ”good.” It is a lifestyle of submission and dependence, giving your desires, decisions, and will to the Holy Spirit's control.
This relationship affects all of life. Marriages, parenting, working, resting – everything changes for the better when the Holy Spirit guides us. Growth in these areas is not formulaic either. There are no religious activities that measure our progress or the depth of our relationship with God. The growth of the fruit of the Spirit speaks to our relationship. Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control are developed through intimacy with Him.
Walking in the Spirit is not something you do for God. You do not decide to “walk in the Spirit” in order to please Him. You walk with God. Your relationship with the Holy Spirit is a priceless partnership where He leads you.
- Holy Spirit, I know You are real, a real Person, truly God, but I so often do not live in the privilege of walking with You. I foolishly try to make decisions in my own wisdom and go through life on my own strength. I want to live fully in step with You. Daily I choose to surrender my agenda, my anxieties, and my ambitions to You. Teach me to walk step-by-step with You. Help me surrender fully so You can transform my heart and produce Your fruit in my life.