Life Loving Jesus

“There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.”

Romans 8:1

“This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.”

Galatians 5:16

What does it mean to walk after the Spirit, or to walk in the Spirit? We can see clearly from these two texts that walking with the Spirit is the opposite of walking in the flesh, or fulfilling our flesh’s desires. Over and over in Scripture we see that following the Spirit’s leading in our lives leads to righteousness.

“That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.”

Romans 8:4

I want to be righteous. I want to experience true freedom. Galatians chapter 5 talks about living in the freedom of God. Paul says: “Brothers and Sisters, God has called you to freedom! Hear the call, and do not spoil this gift by using your liberty to engage in what your flesh desires; INSTEAD, use it to serve each other as Jesus taught through love.” Galatians 5:13

Paul goes on to talk about how the war between our flesh and the Spirit prevents us from doing the good things we want to do. We have sinful tendencies, our selfish desires lead us to destruction.

So what does it mean to walk in the Spirit?

Paul puts it this way:

“Now since we have chosen to walk with the Spirit, let’s keep each step in perfect sync with God’s Spirit. This will happen when we set aside our self-interests and work together to create true community instead of a culture consumed by provocation, pride, and envy.” Galatians 5:25-26

Walking in the Spirit means we don’t just do what we want all the time. It means we put our plans on the sideline and say “God, let Your will be done”. It means we prayerfully ask, “what would You have me do today?” It means we maintain a spirit of prayer, always connected with the Spirit so that we are able to make better choices, speak more loving words, and ultimately avoid giving into our sinful tendencies.

The key to a victorious life is walking in the Spirit. Each moment drawing closer and closer to the One who calls us to freedom, who lovingly lavishes good and perfect gifts on us.

I encourage you to put this concept into practice this coming week. Friends, Jesus is coming SOON. And He is waiting for us to start living in the freedom He designed for us. He is waiting for us to start walking in the Spirit.

Won’t you accept the freedom He offers today?