Keeping in Step with the Spirit
By Karen D’Amore
“Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.”
Galatians 5:25
“Laeft…laeft…laeft…right…laeft”, barked the commander in military-like twang. The para-military structured police academy strongly resembled “boot camp.” Everyday we lined up in single file squads to practice marching drills. With the squads aligned according to height, the shortest led the class. “Mike” led my row, marching to the beat of his own rhythm-less drummer. He could not keep in step! Following directly behind Mike, I was thrown out of step, as well. A domino-effect continued down the line with each recruit doing a comical double-step skip to get back in step. Midway through the academy, the direction of the squad was reversed, with the taller recruits taking the lead. Amazingly, once “Mike” was re-positioned to follow in the steps of another, he was able to keep in step.
In Galatians 5:25 the Greek for “to walk” means “to get in line with.” “to follow after.” The phrase “keep in step” is a military term that describes a soldier standing in the ranks. Surrounded by a host of other soldiers, he focuses straight ahead on his commanding officer. When the order is given to move, he steps forward in perfect time, moving with his fellow soldiers. Following the commands of his leader, he does not have to understand, he simply has to obey. A good soldier must not lag behind nor run ahead. He must “keep in step” with his leader and follow wherever he leads.
Paul exhorts us to keep in step with the Spirit’s clearly revealed orders, as well as with His people. As Christ-followers we are to abandon the life of the flesh; a life which marches to the beat of its own sin-natured drummer. We are to align ourselves with our Commanding Officer. We must keep our eyes fixed on Jesus and follow His commands. We aren’t called to understand all of His marching orders, nor do we need to know every detail of His Master Plan. Proclaiming to live by the Spirit of Christ carries the responsibility to conduct ourselves accordingly. We can’t merely talk the talk…we must walk the walk!
Unlike “Mike,” whose direction determined his positioning for a leader’s steps to follow, our Leader…the Holy Spirit…is always with us. As we obey His Words with military-like devotion, His cadence will resonate in our walk…exhibiting the fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
GOING DEEPER:
1. Check your step. How can your walk better align with your talk?
FURTHER READING:
Romans 6:6, 8:5-11; Galatians 5:22-23
Married to Dan, Karen, a retired police officer, currently works as a Manicurist at Craig Berns Salon. She’s a leader for Oakwood’s Tuesday a.m. Bible Study and a volunteer at the Wildlife In Need Center.
