If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.

Galations 5:25

We spent the summer looking at the fruits of the spirit from Galatians 5:22-23. It’s wonderful to study the things that make us stronger. We know when we are focused on them we are building our relationship with God and strengthening our relationship with others.

There’s more than just those 2 verses in the passage though.

The preceding verses talk about the things we shouldn’t do. And Galatians 5:24 states we should crucify the flesh, which is prone to commit sin.

It’s made clear how we should behave. But it’s also made clear how we shouldn’t behave. There’s no “reading between the lines.” God doesn’t say “avoid these things,” he says “crucify the desire to do these things.” In other words, wipe it out completely.

We are called to walk the straight and narrow, to keep in step with the spirit. God doesn’t ask these things to be mean or inflict strict lifestyles on us. He instructs us to act accordingly to avoid sin. And sin puts a red stain on us. It marks us as unclean. It hurts our relationship with God and affects our earthly lives, even if we don’t see it in the moment of its occurrence.

Every fruit we went through from love to self-control reminds us that the good fruit from God is what we should focus on. The way we treat our family, friends or strangers can either produce more fruit or inhibit future growth.

Where there is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control, there will be good things. When we wonder how to be a good Christian, these are the things we should start with.

The best part is, these good things shine God’s light. In the darkness of the world people can see his goodness. Whether at home, at school, at work or just out and about, when we walk in the spirit we have the opportunity to show God’s goodness.

So walk in the spirit. It’s more than reciting verses and going to church; it’s a relationship with God. It’s building your life so others see God’s glory through your actions!