Marching

DEVOTION
GALATIONS
MARCHING
Gal 5:24-26
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.
NIV
When I think of keeping in step I think of those years I spent in the Army. I was in need of not only keeping in step with the cadence that was being called out, but with all the others who were attempting the same feat. So here I am trying to keep in step with the cadence the Spirit calls out alone with all my fellow believers. This has to once again imply the giving up of all selfish ideas whenever another is in need of my time, energy, or resources. I think that would be every moment of my life for when is some else not in need? How can I do that? I would not have any time for caring for my own family, providing for even the basic needs of my own life. Maybe this speaks more to the issue of the normal interactions of living in the body of Christ. That is, not hurting others, in the course of living my own life. I should be the type of person who encourages others, having the qualities of the Spirit, the fruit, so that others may enjoy them when they are near me. Certainly I should not think more of myself then I do of them, that would be conceited and just I fear that alone would provoke them. But then maybe my conceit would only provoke them because of their conceit. Either way I need to be more in step with the Spirit. It is not about them, but about me. I cannot change another person, although I can encourage them, instruct them, preach to them, be an example to them, I cannot make them change, I can only do that in my life. I am then only one I can change and I am then only one who I can make sure is in step with the Spirit. As I endeavor to keep in step I am sure the result of being in community will be in step also. I believe that is the goal of all my fellow believers and thus we will be working together for the same goal, the Kingdom of God. As I keep in step with the Spirit I know his focus, his cadence is directing me toward the Kingdom. If I am hearing his voice I will be in not be conceited, or provoke or envy any other member of the Army of God. I think I have some more practice marching to do.