Walk by the Spirit

"But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh." Galatians 5:16

Those who try to live by the law alone become prisoners of it, condemned by their inability to keep it. They reject grace. Paul tells us not to live like this, but rather to walk by the Spirit. Only in doing this can we be free from being prisoners of the law and prisoners of our own sinful nature in the flesh.

How can I walk by the Spirit? I struggle with this sometimes, adn I believe this is because I try too hard. That's just it; walking by the Spirit is not about trying, not about my efforts and work. It's about submission, allowing Him to take control--and all I am to do is follow Him in His leading. Sure, this requires some sort of action on my part, in response to what the Spirit is doing, but it is not about my own strength, effort, output. In my tendency to jump on the bandwagon of any ministry needing help and to actively seek out ways I can "please" God, I need to realize this truth and live it: it's not about what I do. It's about Who I'm walking with.

Lord, please help me. I have become so focused on my own actions and seeking my own righteousness and perfection that I far too often leave no room for the Spirit to lead me. Forgive me, Holy Spirit, and please teach me to submit to Your leading. Let me walk by You alone. I love You!

Who are you trying to impress?

"For am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ." Galatians 1:10

Paul writes about the tendency certain believers have had to teach a "truth" contrary to the Gospel, or in conflict with it in order to please other men who, for whatever reason, do not accept the Gospel as it is. He recognizes that, if he were to do this, he would be seeking to please men, and no longer God.

Though I don't attempt to teach any "truth" contrary to the Word of God, I far too often seek to please men in other ways. Out of fear of offending or angering someone, I keep my mouth shut about Christ in social gatherings. Seeking acceptance from people, I often allow the flames of raw faith to be watered down and fizzled out in my own life. I don't want to be like this; I want to seek to please and be favored by God alone! He already favors me, but is He always pleased with my actions and decisions? Not so much these days, I'll bet...

Jesus, I love You. And I want to show You this by seeking to please, obey, trust, serve You rather than indulging in the approval and favor of men. Please help me to be Your bond-servant, not one of the world. I need You! Your boldness, Your unabashedness, Your commitment...Help me. I love You.