If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.
Galatians 5:25-26
Right before these verses, the fruits of the Spirit are listed (vs. 22-23). Before that, Paul lists out a multitude of fleshly desires that we should avoid (vs. 19-21). So verses 25-26 are the concluding statements after a list of what to do and what not to do as we live on this side of heaven.
There is so much practicality in Galatians 5, and even in these two verses, but let’s focus on Paul’s challenge to the Galatian church to walk in the Spirit.
Here are three ways to walk in the Spirit, according to Paul:
1.Choose Humility – “Let us not become conceited…”
Part of walking in the Spirit is allowing humility to be your constant companion. Humility doesn’t mean that we never accept compliments or that we tear ourselves down to be perceived as less than.
It’s a stance that even when I know I’m the best at something or completely right in a particular circumstance, I have no need to make others feel less than. It’s a heart choice, and the Spirit knows when our hearts are conceited, even when we try to hide it with our words.
2.Encourage One Another – “[Avoid] provoking one another…”
The Holy Spirit encourages us constantly, so of course walking in the Spirit must involve encouraging others. Encouragement is so simple, but sometimes we make it complicated. Our anxious thoughts wander and we begin to doubt that our words will make an impact.
Other times we’re teasing and poking fun at others. We think we’re making a joke, but instead we’re provoking someone and causing conflict. This is where humility and encouragement meet: If someone is hurt by your joke, humbly apologize and choose to use words that lift them up next time.
3.Stop the Comparison Game – “[Stop] envying one another.”
God doesn’t compare His children to one another, so to walk in the Spirit, we need to stop comparing ourselves to everyone around us. With social media’s pull on us, it’s hard to leave comparison behind.
- Grandmas are comparing their grandchildren to their best friend’s grandchildren.
- Boys are comparing how many cute girls follow them versus that other guy.
- Young women are posting photos that are so filtered that no one knows what anyone looks like in real life anymore.
Comparison steals our joy, and as you may know, joy is one of the fruits of the Spirit. Receiving this joy comes from gratitude. We have a choice to be grateful for whatever the Lord has given us in life.
When we walk in these ways, we will begin to experience victory over our earthly desires. What a joy it will be to find the Holy Spirit walking right there beside us!
Two Questions
- What relationship in your life could use some encouragement and humility to bring healing?
- What in your current world can you be grateful for in order to stop playing the comparison game?
So good, as always. Thanks Daniel. I’m gonna be working on “joy.”