Have you ever noticed how difficult fasting becomes when food is all around you? The smells, the sights, and even the casual invitation to “just have a bite” can make the discipline feel almost impossible. Walking in faith is much the same. It becomes far harder to remain steadfast when you’re surrounded by influences that pull you away from God—people who live by the world’s standards, environments saturated with sin, and voices that echo deception instead of truth.
Galatians 5:25 offers a powerful reminder: “If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit” (NKJV). This verse doesn’t just encourage us to acknowledge the Spirit’s work in our lives; it calls us to actively walk in step with Him daily. But what does walking in the Spirit truly mean, and why is it so vital for believers?
The Power of Walking in the Spirit
Walking in the Spirit transforms our lives from the inside out. It means allowing the Holy Spirit to guide our decisions, shape our character, and align our hearts with God’s will. This alignment not only helps us live righteously but also protects us from falling prey to false teachings and spiritual deception.
Jesus warned in Matthew 7:15, “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.” The closer we walk with the Spirit, the sharper our discernment becomes. The Spirit, as promised in John 16:13, will guide us into all truth, helping us see beyond smooth words and empty promises to the reality of a person’s or teaching’s true nature.
E.J. Newton’s words, “Character shows what spirit you have,” resonate deeply here. When you walk in the Spirit, your life reflects the fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). Similarly, the lack of these fruits in a leader, pastor, or spiritual teacher should raise red flags.
Loyalty to God, Not Institutions
One of the greatest challenges believers face is misplaced loyalty. It’s easy to become so attached to a church or a pastor that we overlook misalignment with God’s truth. While church leaders are meant to guide and shepherd, they are human and fallible. Your ultimate loyalty should always be to God, not a person or institution.
Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 11:1, “Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.” If your pastor or church leader stops imitating Christ, it’s not your burden to stay under their leadership. God does not call you to blind loyalty to a congregation or a leader who is not walking in the Spirit. Instead, seek out a community that lives in alignment with His Word and fosters your spiritual growth.
It’s important to remember that walking in the Spirit sometimes means making hard choices, like leaving a church or a spiritual leader who is no longer walking in truth. But the Spirit will guide you through these decisions with wisdom and peace, leading you to a place where you can continue to grow in faith and fellowship.
Encouragement for the Journey
Walking in the Spirit isn’t always easy. It requires intentional effort to stay connected to God and resist the pull of the world. Here are a few practical steps to help:
- Surround Yourself with Believers: Seek out friendships and communities that encourage your faith and hold you accountable.
- Stay in God’s Word: Regularly study the Bible to deepen your understanding and sharpen your discernment.
- Pray for Guidance: Ask the Spirit to lead your steps, reveal truth, and provide strength in difficult moments.
- Examine Your Surroundings: Evaluate whether the people, teachings, and environments in your life align with God’s Word.
Just like fasting is easier when you remove temptations, walking in faith becomes more manageable when you surround yourself with godly influences. And when you stumble or face challenges, remember that the Spirit is there to sustain and guide you.
Final Thoughts
If fasting amidst abundance is hard, consider how much harder it is to walk in faith while surrounded by distractions, false teachings, and sin. But take heart! The Spirit empowers you to rise above these challenges, guiding your steps and protecting your heart.
Don’t anchor your faith to a church or a pastor—anchor it to God. Walk in the Spirit, live in the Spirit, and let your life be a reflection of His truth. For as Galatians 5:25 reminds us, if we live by the Spirit, we must also walk in step with Him.
May your walk in the Spirit lead you to discern truth, live boldly, and remain steadfast in your faith.
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