But I say, walk habitually in the [Holy] Spirit [seek Him and be responsive to His guidance], and then you will certainly not carry out the desire of the sinful nature [which responds impulsively without regard for God and His precepts]. Galatians 5:16 AMP
The Inspiration:
As is Paul's usual custom, he does not write to the crowd, but to disciples; to those who have responded the right way to the call of Jesus upon their lives. The first few verses of the chapter from where the verse above is taken lay emphasis on the freedom that is available in Christ. It is freedom from the burden of sin and the pain of death, and a rebirth into a lifetime of hope and the promise of eternal life. I must check my life at the moment, in order to determine where I stand - am I a disciple or part of the crowd? Remember: there are no expectations from the crowd. It will ebb and flow with whatever is popular at the time, but for me, there are demands and expectations that align with my new life in Christ, and these are explained in the verse above. One of them is HOW and WHERE I WALK. Your location will always define your allocation. God will not be present in a place where His nature and power cannot be seen.
The Contention:
The HOW and the WHERE are important; I am told to walk IN the Spirit. It would mean that at all times, I am found inside the Holy Spirit. He directs my steps, as well as the impact my life has. It does not just say WALK WITH, but WALK IN. It is a daily walk, as seen in the verse also. It says HABITUALLY. That is habit: something I do on a daily and regular basis to the point where it becomes a part of me. It would mean that my walk has become an integral part of my identity that you cannot find any other kind of walk. Am I consistent in my walk, or am I like the chameleon, fitting my walk into the environment where I am at the moment? Walking in the Spirit means taking directed steps; not just sitting down, folding arms and expecting things to sort themselves out. How am I walking? How and where I walk will determine what happens to me on this journey of life. Life is too complex for me to trust in schemes, plans and strategies without the help of the Spirit of God.
The Conclusion:
The devil is also seeking lives he can destroy, and of course, one way he does that is to keep men walking in the path of destruction. The fallen human nature also has its pursuits and priorities, and these also demand a particular kind of walking. In both instances therefore, one must walk, but both lead into either eternal life or eternal destruction in hell. Walking in the Spirit keeps me alive in God, and preserved unto eternal life with God. Walking in the flesh keeps one away from the guidance and leadership available in the Spirit. The choice to be made is quite clear: the end of all life is nearer now than when we first came to know Christ. It is important that we review where we are, so that we can take the right steps into the place God has prepared for us. God does not use a vessel that is not totally surrendered to Him. He also does not compel a man to submit; it must come from my heart, and it has to be a willing sacrifice. Am I walking right? God's time of favour is here.
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