Keep in Step with the Spirit 3
We could end the discussion of how to stay in step with the Spirit at the subject of love, because it is the greatest of all. (1 Corinthians 13:13) Love of God and love of fellow mail are the underpinnings of “all the law and the prophets”. (Matthew 22:40)
However, since Galatians 5 doesn’t stop with love, neither will I.
Let’s look at the full list now. Galatians 5:22-23 [NIV] 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.
Many of the qualities on the list are action items – we show love, give kindness, do what is good, exercise faith, etc.
Joy does not seem like something one does, rather something one experiences. The fact remains that, according to Galatians 5:22, those living in step with the Spirit are not “sour pusses” or “grumps”, rather, they produce joy. We are to be people of joy – in spite of trials and troubles, the condition of this world, and our struggles against our own sinning nature.
Joy in the midst of it all is a maker of being in step with the Spirit that dwells in us.
Our God is a god of joy. In Matthew 25, where the scripture talks about using our talents to serve, we find this in verse 21, "His lord said to him, 'Well [done], good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.'” [NKJV]
It is God’s “good pleasure” to give us the Kingdom of Heaven. Many other scriptures use those same words in outlining how God feels about bringing us into His family and into eternity with Him. The image of a sour god, preferring punishment over reward is way off base from what scripture tells us.
Matthew 5:21 ...“Enter into the joy of your Lord”
In Luke 10:20, Jesus tells the disciples to rejoice that their names are written in heaven.
The book of Nehamiah tells of a time when the Israelites heard the law of God being read to them, after being a long time without it. They reacted with mourning over their own sins and separation from these words. But that is not the reaction God wanted.
Nehamiah 8:9-12 [NIV] 9 “Then Nehemiah the governor, Ezra the priest and teacher of the Law, and the Levites who were instructing the people said to them all, "This day is holy to the LORD your God. Do not mourn or weep." For all the people had been weeping as they listened to the words of the Law. 10 Nehemiah said, "Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength." 11 The Levites calmed all the people, saying, "Be still, for this is a holy day. Do not grieve." 12 Then all the people went away to eat and drink, to send portions of food and to celebrate with great joy, because they now understood the words that had been made known to them.”
It seems to me that we often react with mourning when we understand ourselves to have been far from what God desires of us. However, this scripture leads me to see that our focus need not be on how far we are from obedience, but would be better placed on the joy of God’s mercy toward us in sending His Son to make us right with Him.
Staying in step with the Spirit means being joyful. Certainly, staying focused on what God has done and is doing for us, and reflecting on the joy it gives the Father to do so, can help us be people of joy.
I welcome your comments and questions. You can write me in the comments section or any time at Nancy@DynamicChristianMinistries.org