Rejoice:

Read:

²⁵ Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.

So Paul circles back around. We’ve talked about how important the Spirit is, how evil our flesh is, and how inclined we are to obey the flesh instead of the Spirit. Paul has confirmed to us that we can be saved AND misled by the flesh. So what’s his challenge? “Keep in step with the Spirit.” Paul reminds us that we are alive by the Spirit’s power. We now have to choose to be in step.

In the military being “in step” would mean keeping our peripherals focused on the guide to our right, listening to the cadence being called, and assuring our bodies are moving in sync with all of this. In the same way Paul is petitioning for us to keep awareness of the Spirit’s movement, listening to the cues, and properly responding to what we are taking in.  If a soldier gets out of step they may end up still getting to the destination but the process does not look nearly as clean. Also, when they fall out of step it can cause issues with those directly around them keeping step. Those who are looking to them for THEIR steps could also (most likely) end up out of step. Being in step is important.

Being in step with the Spirit is crucial for believers. It affects our process, those around us, it’s vital. Let’s make a cognizant effort to be in step with the Spirit!

Respond:

God help me to be in step with the Spirit. Remind me constantly that my walk affects others. My steps. My attentiveness to your direction. All of it affects those around me. Help me to be a constructive tool for those around me and not a hindrance.

Relate:

Perhaps you know a christian who doesn’t think their walk is going to affect those around them. A gentle reminder about these military marching examples may help to prompt them to evaluate their lives. Help someone get in step with the Spirit.