Galatians 5:16, 25 So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.
Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.

There are various songs that I like very much that deal with this matter of walking in the Spirit. For once, I like modern English translations better than I like the Japanese here, at least for verse 25. The Japanese just says, “move forward/make progress” by the Spirit. That is also an important point, that we aren’t just wandering aimlessly, but I still like the English, “keep in step with the Spirit.” That implies a level of discipline that is often lacking in our personal lives. Again, our lives aren’t to be wandering, lackadaisical, but purposeful, obedient to our Commander in Chief. Legalism isn’t good, but neither is being unfocused. Ephesians 2:8-9 is justly famous, expressing the basis of our salvation, but verse 10 is also important: “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Doing the works that God prepared for us is keeping in step with the Spirit, advancing as He intends.

Having been in various marching bands from the time I was in 4^th grade through getting out of the army, I know about keeping in step! My band experience made me proficient enough in marching that I was quickly tabbed as a “cadence counter” when I was in Basic Training in the Army. In my personal life, sometimes I have been more in step with the Spirit than at other times. As a pastor, I have found that getting a church body to walk in the same cadence can be a monumental task! This church is making progress in that area, and yesterday was a good step in that direction. My younger daughter, who is a church minister of music in her own right, noticed that in the service and fellowship yesterday, commenting on the family atmosphere and unity she felt in being here. That she responded that way really blessed and encouraged me! That said, we still have plenty of room for growth, not just in numbers but in hearing and obeying the Lord. In my absence last week the Assistant Pastor preached on listening obediently to the Lord, and it was very good. I want to be a good example to the flock, but at the same time, I don’t want them to be dependent on me for their spirituality. I want each of them to be in step with the Spirit, moving forward as God intends, so that as His agents we may bring His rule and reign to this city where He has planted us, for His glory.

Father, thank You that You don’t just make us march for the sake of marching, which sometimes happened in the Army. Help us indeed hear the rhythm of Your Spirit and get in step, to move forward as You intend indeed, fulfilling Your plans for Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!