Take a
Walk with God
What does it mean to walk with God? Is it really possible
that the God who created this fantastic universe with all its glory wants to
walk with you?
Walk in
the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. (Galatians 5:16 )
When a
baby takes his or her first steps, it’s a major milestone for their physical
growth. The same is with you. When you begin to walk with God, it’s the
beginning of your spiritual growth.
Time to grow up!
Walking
with God is different from sprinting (too far ahead of the Spirit) or
standing (too far behind the Spirit). Walking denotes a rhythmic pace of keeping
in step with the Spirit of God. We sometimes forget how to walk with God. We
stumble through life with busyness, distractions, annoyances, frustrations, or
get so engaged in our flesh that we rarely even think about walking in the
Spirit.
In order to walk physically, there has to be stimulation
from the mind to activate the muscles, bones, and nerves in the legs. Walking
with God begins the same way—with a change of your mind. Your thinking engages
your walk with God.
Are you spiritually paralyzed? It may be time to deal with
your thinking.
Those who live according to the
flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in
accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.
(Romans 8:5 )
When your mind is focused on the flesh (or sinful nature),
it will always lead to death—perhaps
not physical death right away. But it will certainly lead to death of your dreams,
in your relationships, and in your destiny.
On the other hand, when your mind is focused on the Spirit,
it will always lead to life! You
will have renewed hope for your future, you will be forgiven and set free from
guilt, and you will have perfect peace even when chaos reigns all around you.
We need to have the mind
of Christ in order to walk in the Spirit.
The question is: how can I have the mind of Christ? Next
time, let’s discover how you can have the mind of Christ so that you can walk
in the Spirit and not fulfill the longings of the flesh.
The New International Version. 2011.Grand Rapids , MI
The New International Version. 2011.
American TV programs and movies are saturated with the flesh. It is quite an undertaking today for our children to combat these desires when they are so influenced and mesmerized.
ReplyDeleteTrue. It is a sad fact of life. But it does help to give them scripture and let them hold it up to compare with their TV shows--asking the question "Is this right?". But it takes time and effort for a parent to keep up with what their children are exposed to. Thanks for your heartfelt comment.
ReplyDeleteI would say to Anonymous, take every chance you can to saturate your children (and yourself) with spiritual things...notes/scripture verses on their mirrors for reading as they get ready for the day, Christian music at home and in the car, healthy G-rated DVDs, prayer. Don't be afraid to say an outloud prayer in their presence, just like you'd talk to a person..."God, as You know, we're ready to drive to ____ so please keep us and those around us safe. Thanks!"
ReplyDeleteGood word Margie. Thanks for your insight.
ReplyDelete