Do's and Don'ts of Spirit Living

Do’s and Don’ts of Spirit Living

 

 

The Bible tells us that when we believe in Jesus as our Savior and Lord, the power of God – in the form of the Holy Spirit- is given to us as a gift!  The Holy Spirit is released into our lives and it is no longer we who live but it is Christ who lives in us and through us. (Galatians 2:20)

 

Without Christ, we humans are slaves to sin.  We are addicted to sin and we can’t free ourselves from sinning even when we try our best. But if we yield to Christ’s Spirit in us, we can be set free from being a slave to sin.  Christ has come to set us free - free from sin and death!  And His Holy Spirit in our lives is quietly changing and freeing us and re-making us in His image.

 

The Bible tells us that we are to “walk in the Spirit”.  I believe “walking in the Spirit” means living our lives allowing the Holy Spirit to be our guide. Scripture says: “Since we live by the Holy Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.” (Galatians 5:25)   But how do we physically “walk in the Spirit” or “keep in step with the Spirit”?   The Bible gives us some directions or concrete steps to help us to “walk and keep in step with the Spirit.”

 

First, we are to drop the ego!  Scripture says: “Let us not be conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.”  (Galatians 5:26) Christians are to be humble.  Scripture says that:  Pride comes before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall.”  (Proverbs 16:18) As Christians we are told that we have been “crucified with Christ”.  (Galatians 2:20) Our old nature is on its’ way out and the new nature in Christ is maturing in us.  Let us keep in step with what the Spirit is doing in our lives and allow the Spirit to create a humble spirit in us.   

 

Second, we are to restore the fallen.  Scripture says; “Brothers and sisters, if anyone is caught in any sin you who are spiritual should restore him or her in a spirit of gentleness.  Keep watch over yourself, lest you too be tempted.” (Galatians 6:1) If a Christian is caught in a sin we are to pray for guidance and gently confront him or her.  We can humbly and lovingly show this person the Scriptures that condemn their sinful words or actions.  We are not to call good evil or evil good. (Isaiah 5:20)

 

Thirdly, we are to bear one another’s burdens.  Scripture says: “Bear one another’s burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2) Burden bearing honors Jesus Christ.  We are to help one another.  Be generous and feed the hungry, care for the sick, give to the poor and rescue persons in trouble.  Pray for others and welcome the stranger.  Jesus said that if we do good to people in need, we are doing good to Him.  And Jesus calls everyone who helped the needy into His kingdom.  (Matthew 25:34-40) Jesus also says that those who refused to feed the hungry or give to the poor or care for the sick here on earth, that they actually refused to feed Him and He refuses to allow them into His heavenly kingdom.  (Matthew 25:41-46) 

 

Forth, in our quest to “walk in the Spirit” we are told to take responsibility for ourselves.  Scripture says: “For if anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself.  But let each one test his own work, and then his reason to boast will be in himself alone and not in his neighbor.  For each will have to bear his own load.  (Galatians 6:3-5) We ae to self- examine ourselves. Check out our attitudes.  Work and try to carry our own weight.

 

Fifth, take responsibility for doing your share to help your church or ministry.  Scripture says: “Let the one who is taught the Word, share all good things with the one who come to you with the Word.”  (Galatians 6:6) Look after those who are running your local church if you can.  We are in a battle for the Truth and we all need to do our part. 

 

Sixth, don’t mock God with your life.  Scripture says: “Do not be deceived: God is not mocked.  For whatever you plant or work for, that you will also reap (or get back).  If a person works to build up his own ego and pride, he or she will get back corruption, but if a person works or plants to the Spirit, he or she will from the Spirit reap eternal life.” (Galatians 6:7-8) We are not to ridicule God by the way we live our lives.  God wants us to live our lives for Him.

 

And last, we are not to tire of doing good.  Scripture says: “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.  So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.” (Galatians 6:9-10)

 

When we walk in the Spirit, we are to look for opportunities to bless people.  Let the Spirit lead us.  Do it all with love. God will give us what we need for the journey. As God has forgiven you, forgive others.  Place it all at God’s Feet.  God promises to give us the power to live wherever He puts us.  This is a list of some of the do’s and don’ts of Spirit living.  (Galatians 6:1-18)     

 

 

 

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