Keeping in Step
READ: Galatians 5:25
As the September rains poured down on Mark, he noticed that he was feeling unusually winded. Mark is a long distance runner. When he casually glanced at his foggy watch, he noticed that he was a quarter of a mile behind his daily workout schedule. Mark struggled to make up his time, but the more he tried, the more ground he seemed to lose. Finally, after arriving home, he checked his watch and noticed that his time was still off, but not by much, so he was content.
At some point in time, we all can relate to Mark’s story; maybe not with running, but how about in our faith lives? Sure I go to church once in a while, and I’m really not that bad of a person, so God understands, right? Wrong. The Lord says in Galatians 5:25, “Since we live by the spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.” He is reminding His people to keep up with the pace, to keep "working out" and growing in faith through regular study of God's Word and the putting of our faith into action. Too often we fall behind. By God's grace, we are not alone, however. Our heavenly Father is there with out-stretched arms helping us catch up. As it is written in Romans 8:26, “In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness…”
Let us always remember to keep a close watch on our spiritual clocks, and strive to keep in step with the Spirit, even as he helps us.
THINGS TO THINK ABOUT: Have you or anyone you know ever fallen behind in your faith life? What are some reminders you can use to help yourself and others from falling behind? If a friend you knew was falling away, would you know what to say to them?
PRAYER SUGGESTIONS: Pray to God to help you or a friend get caught up in faith again. Pray for family and friends so they hold strong to their faith. Thank God for being gracious to give us Christian friends and families that care for us and will be there for us.