Walk by the Spirit

Gal. 5:16

But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 

Paul warned the Galatians about the abuse of their freedom. It seems ironic that a group of people so concerned with the law would at the same time be taken over by the abuses of their freedom. Regardless, they were attacking one another and neglecting to use their freedom as a means to serve one another through love. He reminded them that the entire law was summed up in one word: love your neighbor as yourself. Preoccupation with rules [law] breeds constant comparison in order for self-validation. The only way to be better than others is to tear others down. Sadly, this is a common phenomenon among Christians still today. 

To combat this behavior, Paul urged them [and us] to walk by the Spirit, and in walking this way, the believer will not gratify the flesh. The Spirit and the flesh are always in opposition. The flesh breeds such horrible behaviors as anger, rivalry, division, envy, drunkenness, orgies, impurity, idolatry, enmity, strife, jealousy, sexual immorality. Yuck! Even someone focused on the law would say these actions are despicable and should be avoided at all costs. Yet, allowing the flesh an open door even in keeping good rules, is an invitation for worse things to follow. But walking by the Spirit means that the fruit of the Spirit will grow in the believer's life: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control, None of these qualities break any laws! And all of these qualities should be growing in the life of the one who belongs to Jesus Christ and has crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Living by the Spirit means walking by the Spirit. What a contrast! 

Father,

Thank You for the gift of the Spirit. Without Him in the life there would be no hope of pleasing you. Help me to listen carefully to His leading and to follow completely.

In Jesus name,

Amen