Off to Work or Spirit-led?

Photo 51904581 © Rasmus Ursem | Dreamstime.com

Work or teamwork? Which describes your spiritual walk?

For years, the answer for me was work. Do this. Don’t do that. 

Yes, I had a relationship with God, but my walk with Him looked a lot like me trying really hard to do what I thought He wanted. 

I lived under law, not in grace. Can you relate?

I spent most of 2020 in Romans 7. This verse jarred me, “But now, by dying to what once bound us, we have been released from the law so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit, and not in the old way of the written code (Romans 7:6 NIV).”

I knew how to follow the written code—but that was not God’s plan for me. 

And it’s not His plan for you either. 

My poor attempts at obedience were not what God was after. God’s plan is for me to partner with His Spirit and follow the new life He has given me. Spirit-led. The desire to be obedient and the ability to carry it out are already there, because the Spirit always obeys the Father. 

I can choose to join the Holy Spirit—or not. 

Look at these verses from Galatians:

  • “Are you so foolish? After beginning with the Spirit, are you now trying to attain your goal by human effort (Gal. 3:3)?”
  • “So I say, live by the Spirit and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature (Gal. 5:16).” 
  • “But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law (Gal. 5:18).”
  • “Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit (Gal. 5:25).”

Relationship requires something different from me. 

A sensitivity to the Holy Spirit and how He speaks to me.

Resting in His presence. 

Being still. 

Frankly, it’s quicker and easier to do things myself. I don’t like to wait on God. However, the results disappoint. God and I miss out on the fellowship. It’s like cooking with the grandkids. It takes twice as long and makes a bigger mess, but—oh, the memories. 

So, what’s your walk look like—work or teamwork? Law or Spirit-led?

Holy Spirit, tune my ear to Your voice. Calm my fidgeting. Help me to be still. To rest in Your goodness and Your guidance. Amen.

Activities:

1. Practice being still before God for ten minutes. Picture your favorite place and meet Him there. Do this for five days and report back. 

2. Cook with your family this week. Make a meal or whip up a treat.

3. What’s your sin battle? How would the life of Christ in you through the Holy Spirit respond to that temptation? How can you line up with Him?

2 Comments

  1. Irene on February 2, 2021 at 4:25 pm

    Oh Gayle,
    I wish you were closer. To have coffee and a chat. This spoke to me. Thank you for your timely message. Blessings dear sister.
    Irene

  2. Gayle Veitenheimer on February 2, 2021 at 6:03 pm

    Would love to chat! Miss you!

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