“If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.”
Galatians 5:25
Hey Storehouse Fam!
Is it too late to still wish each other a Happy Birthday? Of course it isn’t! Sunday was all shades of amazing as we spent time together celebrating the abundance of God’s goodness, grace, and mercy over us as a family. Indeed, he has been faithful in every way. And because his love endures forever, we can look forward to many more years of partnering with God to bring about his plans and purpose for us both individually and collectively!
It also becomes clearer that God has been really intentional about speaking to us as a body. This season’s invitation has been to sonship, stewardship, growth, maturity, and labour. The themes show that God is leading us out of our familiar, comfortable spaces into a deeper walk with him. The anchor scripture gives us guidance on how to do this.
Since our new life is by the Spirit, we are commanded as believers to walk in step with the Spirit. The first thing to note is that this is not a suggestion. It is not optional. If we do not walk in the Spirit, we will end up walking in the flesh, no matter how good our intentions are. ‘But I say, walk and live [habitually] in the [Holy] Spirit [responsive to and controlled and guided by the Spirit]; then you will certainly not gratify the cravings and desires of the flesh (of human nature without God).’ Galatians 5:16. It really is our only hope.
The second thing to note is the walking part – what does it mean? The Greek word here is stoichomen. It essentially conjures up the image of marching in the army. So it is not a random walk; it follows a pattern that conforms to a design. For anyone who has ever marched in a parade (NYSC, anyone?), this image shouldn’t be a difficult one. There is a call, a command. We are meant to follow the Spirit’s direction step by step.
To march in step with the Spirit requires that we yield our agendas to him. We can’t have “destinations” of our own, as hard as it may be, we are to press on towards foregoing our rights and preferences. Being about our father’s business also means doing his work on his terms. ‘So Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of his own accord, but only what he sees the Father doing. For whatever the Father does, that the Son does likewise.” John 5:19
This is what we are expected to do as we mature. This is the standard demanded of sons: full conformity to the call and design of the Father. We are told this is God’s purpose for us. ‘ For those whom He foreknew [of whom He was aware and loved beforehand], He also destined from the beginning [foreordaining them] to be molded into the image of His Son [and share inwardly His likeness], that He might become the firstborn among many brethren.’ Romans 8:29
Are we ready to submit to the father’s work?
Are we ready to collapse all of our self-focused interests and desires? Are we ready to have no agenda but God’s?
Are we ready, like our Big Brother, to say “…“Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; not My will, but Yours, be done.”
Luke 22:42
This is the upward call.