Walk Right!

Walk Right!

Galatians 5:16 AMP

[16] 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].

Paul introduced himself to the church in Galatia as an apostle, not commissioned or sent from men nor through the agency of man, but through Jesus Christ the Messiah, and God the Father, who raised Him from the dead. This introduction makes it clear what is the source and inspiration of the confidence and strength with which Paul operated, and how he was able to confront the dangers he saw in that church. This was a church in which he had spent time teaching about the principles, practices and standards of God's kingdom; the audience had initially accepted and embraced this, but over time, they had shifted allegiance from Christ and were now pursuing distractions. 

It is a warning to all of us who know, follow and serve Christ that we cannot afford to be careless. It is easier to pull down someone from a high position than it is to pull someone up to that high position. It is easier to stay off the commitment, dedication and focus that a surrender to Christ will demand from you. It takes absolutely nothing from you to live a life of compromise, but for a child of God who has seen the light, tasted the gift of the Holy Spirit, and seen God at work, it is a crime to pursue a gospel, message or lifestyle that is different from that which Christ has come to establish. The devil is smart; he offers 'viable' alternatives, but these are traps of trouble and ultimate destruction.

This is why the counsel in today's verse is very apt for our time. Habits only build up over time, and they will not happen overnight. It os what I consistently do that I become good at. It is what I focus on that I eventually master and become exceptional at. I must also be careful of who I walk with; the company I keep and the conversations I have will eventually impact eternity.  These are not decisions to be taken lightly or carelessly. The counsel in the verse above is to make it a habit to walk in the Holy Spirit. This is done by seeking His will and being responsive to His leading and direction given by His voice and Word. He will never contradict Himself, and He is not an author of confusion. 

Of course, making a choice means giving up on another alternative. The thing about the choice to follow God is that it leaves no room for any other alternative. I cannot do both at the same time. The devil seeks to steal, kill and destroy, and he does these well by keeping the focus on sin and man's areas of weaknesses. Sin keeps my eye on myself; surrender keeps my eye on the divine. It really helps that we have superior help from the One who has defeated sin, the devil, and death. That understanding keeps me focused on God and the hope that I am not ever alone. Now that I know what the options are, as well as the consequences of these options, what is the decision? Follow God or perish? God's time of favour is here.