SPIRIT LED LIVING (An unchanging truth in a changing world)
“(22) But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering gentleness, goodness, faith, (23) Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. (24) And they that are in Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts (desires). (25) If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.” Galatians 5:22-25
The Holy Spirit fuels spiritual living. This is where freedom resides and where fruit bearing takes place. The flesh is pre-conversion to Christ living; it is reliance on self to secure security. The Spirit is post-conversion to Christ living; it is reliance on God to secure earthly and eternal security. The Spirit and the flesh conflict, but the flesh has been put to death by faith and the Spirit has come alive. Spiritual living submits to Christ.
Spirit led living thrives as we daily surrender our soul to Jesus. The same way we became a Christian—by grace through faith—is the same way we continue as a Christian. Yet, the flesh tries to flaunt its old habits as teasers for us to not trust God. But we know better—it’s better to not boast in the flesh, but to be humbled by the Spirit. When we walk in the Spirit we are empowered to bear the fruit of the Spirit.
“(16) This I say then, walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. (17) For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot dot the things that ye would.” Galatians 5:16-17
The Spirit brings wisdom when we consider ways that are unwise. The Spirit brings conviction when we begin to drift from our convictions. The Spirit brings comfort when we struggle with discomfort. The Spirit leads us into God’s will when we are tempted to follow our own will. The Holy Spirit is heaven’s secret to spiritual living. When we walk by the Spirit we are everything, if we ignore the Spirit we are nothing.
Are you looking to love better, rejoice more and be at peace? If so, allow the Spirit to grow love, joy and peace in the soil of your soul. God is your Gardener whose green thumb of grace always grows an abundance of fruit. Forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control are all seeded by the Holy Spirit to produce the Lord’s luscious fruit that remains. Fertilize with faith and then water with God’s Word.
Invite the Holy Spirit to pull out any weeds of sin from your heart. And like a kudzu plant climbs, coils and covers in a hot and humid climate, let the fruit of the Spirit cover your life in Christ-like character. Your part is faith and His part is fruit. Your part is surrender and His part is victory. Your part is prayer and His part is answers. Your part is humility and His part is a harvest of righteousness. Spirit led living lives by the Holy Spirit’s power.
“(8) So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. (9) But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of His.” Romans 8:8-9
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I surrender to Your Spirit’s empowering me to spiritual living.
Application
Where is the Holy Spirit leading that I need to take a significant step of faith?
Related Reading
Romans 8:3-5, 14; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Colossians 2:11; Galatians 3:3; 1 Peter 2:16
