Keeping in Step with the Holy Spirit: A Guide for Everyday Living
Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you blindly followed someone's advice, only to question it later? This reminds me of a story about a traveler in Belize who, upon catching a conch with a local guide, was told to eat it raw on the spot. Without hesitation, he popped it into his mouth, trusting the guide's expertise. It wasn't until his wife's reaction that he began to second-guess his decision.
This anecdote serves as a perfect analogy for our relationship with the Holy Spirit. In Galatians 5:25, we're instructed: "If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit." But what does it mean to "keep in step" with the Holy Spirit?
Keeping in step with the Spirit means living in conformity with God's standards and behaviors. It's about trusting and following the Holy Spirit's guidance without constantly questioning why, much like our traveler trusted his guide in Belize. As followers of Christ, we're called to this level of trust and obedience in our daily walk with God.
But how do we practically apply this in our lives? Here are five habits to help us keep in step with the Holy Spirit:
1. Chew on the Bible as a daily diet of life
The primary source of the Holy Spirit's guidance is the Bible. Instead of waiting for a bolt of inspiration, open God's Word. Jesus prayed in John 17:17, "Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth." The Bible is our standard of truth, and the Holy Spirit uses it to guide us.
Reading, meditating on, and memorizing Scripture are crucial practices. Don't be intimidated by difficult passages; keep reading until you find something you understand. Consider writing down your thoughts, questions, and insights as you read. Create a notebook of verses you're memorizing, and review them regularly.
2. Displace desires of your sinful nature with the desires of the Holy Spirit
Rather than simply listening to our hearts, we should be talking to them. Romans 8:13 tells us, "For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live." This means taking extreme measures to stop sinful habits and replace them with godly ones.
Ask yourself: What do I need to start doing to feed the desires of the Holy Spirit, and what must go to starve the desires of sin? Remember, whatever you starve will die, and whatever you feed will live.
3. Pray for God to lead you by the Holy Spirit
Many of us don't need more information; we need the wisdom to act on what we already know. Romans 8:14 says, "For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God." Being led by the Spirit means being influenced at a deep, character-changing level.
Pray for the Holy Spirit's guidance throughout your day. Even short prayers, like Nehemiah's quick plea before addressing the king, can be powerful. Ask the Holy Spirit to influence your words, deeds, mind, and heart.
4. Practice obedience even when you don't feel like it
There will be times when God feels distant. The key to obedience is what we do during these times. Galatians 5:17 reminds us of the constant struggle between flesh and Spirit. Choose to obey God's Word even when you don't feel His presence. Obedience often leads to a renewed sense of God's nearness.
Consider what God has recently told you to do through His Word or His Spirit. Have you taken action on it yet? The Holy Spirit doesn't move on; He waits for us to obey.
5. Practice the fruit of the Spirit
Instead of debating what it means to follow the Holy Spirit, let's focus on exhibiting the fruit of the Spirit. Galatians 5:22-23 lists these fruits: "love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control."
These aren't passive traits but active choices we make in cooperation with the Holy Spirit. When we decide to be loving instead of vengeful, for example, the Holy Spirit produces the fruit of love in our character.
As we reflect on these practices, it's important to remember that keeping in step with the Holy Spirit is more about action and application than discussion and analysis. Jesus didn't die to make us people who merely talk about following the Spirit; He died to empower us to actually live in step with the Spirit.
Let's challenge ourselves to move beyond just talking about it and start doing it. What area of your life needs to be brought into alignment with the Holy Spirit's guidance? Is your Bible gathering dust on a shelf? Is there a sin you need to confront and overcome? Is there someone in your life who needs you to extend the fruit of the Spirit – whether it's love, kindness, patience, or self-control?
Remember, if you've accepted Christ, the Holy Spirit is always with you, patiently waiting for you to turn back to Him. No sin can separate you from God's love once you're in Jesus' hands. The Holy Spirit is ready to guide you, empower you, and transform you from the inside out.
As you go about your day, week, and life, strive to keep in step with the Holy Spirit. Chew on God's Word daily, displace sinful desires with godly ones, pray for guidance, practice obedience even when it's difficult, and actively cultivate the fruit of the Spirit in your life. As you do, you'll find yourself growing closer to God and becoming more like Christ each day.
What step will you take today to align yourself more closely with the Holy Spirit's leading in your life?