Watch Your Step!

Scripture: So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law. (Galatians 5:16-21)

I often stop and evaluate my walk with Christ by looking at myself from the outside in. What kind of example am I being to those around me? Am I falling into the habits of the world around me, joining in because it's easier? Or am I standing my ground and not conforming to society around me? It's a tough walk for us, and we should frequently stop and check our reflection - to see what we see looking back at us.

The life we left behind when we accepted Christ often comes back to haunt us, enticing us to step away from God. That pull to go back to the old life serves to either strengthen or weaken our faith. It has nothing to with the kind of life we left behind, such as hard-core addiction or criminal activity. Many of us turned our lives over to God without a huge struggle. But it's often the little things that hinder us from having a deeper relationship with God, driving a wedge between us and our Savior.

Foul language, music with course lyrics, movies with sexual content, the tolerance we develop for things we once stood against ... it all begins to sneak in by degrees, and we must be watchful that we don't fall into the traps and influences of the world around us. But scripture tells us "Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit." (Galatians 5:25)

So how do you keep in step with the Spirit? If any of us find ourselves in sin or fighting sin and we fall into it, repent. Ask for forgiveness. Then deal with it. Those things that vex us don't often go away unless we face whatever it is we're fighting. Distortions are common detractors of our faith. We all bring our past into our walks. Self accusing voices can be loud; reminders of who you WERE may make you feel disqualified by God. That's why we need mature believers around us, to help us navigate through these dangerous and treacherous waters. .

But what is important to know is that it's said in Romans 8:1 "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus". We will struggle all our Christian lives, and God knows this, and allows us to struggle without condemnation. Working through our "stuff" will only make us stronger, more mature, and later, able to help believers around us who are going through the same trials. So take heart, don't give up, and allow more mature believers around you to lift you up when you are feeling down. And remember: God's confidence is not so much in our ability - but His ability through us as we yield to Him

Carry on. Don't give up in your walk no matter how hard it gets. Lean on your brothers and sisters in the Lord, and He'll see you through to the other side of whatever it is.

Prayer request: For those who feel they can't turn - or REturn to the Lord because of their "old life". Pray for the love and acceptance to become known to those struggling in their walk with the Lord.

Prayer: We all fail and fall short of Your glory, and You know this. And you have so much grace and mercy on us. You always, always allow us to stop in our tracks, turn around, and run back to You, and Your arms are always open wide. Help us who are struggling with old tapes, old habits, past hurts and regrets to lean on You to heal us of our torment and draw closer to you. Amen