Galatians 5:16
Memory Verse
And I say, all of you walk by the Spirit and you will never fulfill the strong desires from the flesh (Galatians 5:16).
The term “walking” describes the general way in which a man governs the conduct of his life. When we are walking by the Spirit, we are seeking and fulfilling His desires for righteous behavior. Since His desires are in contrast to the desires from the flesh, as long as we yield to them it is impossible for us to bring to fulfillment the strong desires from the flesh (Galatians 5:17).
From Galatians 5:22–23, we learn the types of desires that come from the Holy Spirit, for through them His fruit is produced in our lives. Therefore, we walk by the Spirit when we govern our lives by doing things that seek the best for other saints. This expresses love and is a fulfillment of the commandment for the Church (John 13:34).
Our attitude regarding our situation in life is not to look at what we do not have, nor desire something else, but to be content, seeking to work out God’s will in our lives with what He has provided for us.
When it comes to the way we think and perceive things, based upon the truth of who we are in Christ, our minds are to be unruffled by the things of the world, its fears, manipulations of the desires of the flesh, reliance on fiat money, and pride.
When dealing with unreasonable people, our focus will be on withholding our anger. Our attitude towards others will seek to make them feel at ease. This is not accepting a sinful person’s actions, but showing a benevolent, warm-hearted, and friendly disposition that fosters comfort and ease in others.
Throughout our day, we will look for opportunities to do good to others around us. Our conduct and lifestyle will also be based upon our faith in God and His promises as we take every opportunity to manifest the righteousness we have in Christ (Romans 1:17).
Along with maintaining an objectivity of mind throughout the day to walk by the Spirit, we are to exercise self-control by maintaining control over our appetites and not allowing them to shift our way of thinking towards the strong desires from the flesh.
This is walking by the Spirit. We put off the old man and its practices and put on the new man, who is created in righteousness and piety of the truth (Colossians 3:9–10; Ephesians 4:22–24).