Walking in the Footsteps of Jesus
Have you ever struggled to navigate a challenging path, only to find relief when someone else has paved the way? This concept applies to our spiritual journey as well. When we follow in the footsteps of Jesus, we can overcome the obstacles that stand between us and a life of love, joy, and peace.
The Fruit of the Spirit
Galatians 5:22-23 presents a list of qualities that characterize a life led by the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. However, when we read this list as a checklist, we often find ourselves falling short. We might ask ourselves: Am I loving enough? Do I experience joy consistently? Do I respond with patience in every situation?
The Burden of Self-Effort
Trying to embody these qualities through our own strength can lead to feelings of conviction and determination, but ultimately, it becomes overwhelming. It’s like trying to walk uphill in snow without any guidance. We need a different approach.
The Power of Jesus
Galatians 5:24 reminds us that those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified their sinful nature and its desires. This is our motivation and power. We don’t have to rely on our own strength to produce the fruit of the Spirit. Instead, we can put our feet in the nail-pierced footprints of Jesus and let Him guide us.
Keeping in Step with the Spirit
Galatians 5:25 encourages us to keep in step with the Spirit, who lives His life in us and produces the fruit. This realization brings sweet relief, as we understand that our job is not to manufacture these qualities but to align ourselves with the Spirit. We’ve all experienced moments of being in step with the Spirit, where we responded to a situation with grace and love that surprised even ourselves. God wants this to be our norm, not the exception.
Transformed by the Spirit
As we bring our spirit, soul, and body in step with the Spirit, our true beauty – the beauty of God’s Spirit living in us – shines forth. The Holy Spirit transforms us from the inside out, making us more like Jesus. He reaches into the deep places of our inner being and expresses Himself through us.
Living Out the Implications
Let’s make sure we don’t just hold the idea of living by the Spirit as a sentiment in our hearts, but instead, work out its implications in every detail of our lives (Galatians 5:25, The Message). As we keep in step with the Spirit, we’ll bear much fruit – love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
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