A parade came through town today. As I was watching them, I started thinking about the technique and rhythm required of the marchers in the band. It was fascinating to watch, as each one of them filed past me, every step perfectly in sync. What would happen if one of them got out of step? Even if they were only a little bit out of line, they would throw off the rhythm of everyone else in the parade.
So how does this apply to us? In our society, "marching to the beat of your own drum" is considered a good thing, not a bad thing. But what if the rhythm keeper is the Holy Spirit in the parade of our lives? What if the only way to stay in step, to go where we need to go when we need to go there, is to listen to the directions that He is speaking into our lives? You're likely pretty good at doing your own thing - we all are. But how good are you at keeping the rhythm?
19 The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.
So how does this apply to us? In our society, "marching to the beat of your own drum" is considered a good thing, not a bad thing. But what if the rhythm keeper is the Holy Spirit in the parade of our lives? What if the only way to stay in step, to go where we need to go when we need to go there, is to listen to the directions that He is speaking into our lives? You're likely pretty good at doing your own thing - we all are. But how good are you at keeping the rhythm?
Galatians 5:16-26
16 So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17
For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit
what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so
that you are not to do whatever you want. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. 19 The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.
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