Galatians 5:16 – But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify desires of the flesh
“But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify desires of the flesh” (Galatians 5:16); and “If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit” (Galatians 5:25).
“But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify desires of the flesh” (Galatians 5:16); and “If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit” (Galatians 5:25).
What does it mean by ‘walk by the Spirit” or “walk in the Spirit”? What are the benefits of doing so?
In normal circumstances, we may usually be “walking in our flesh”. We do what our body is inclined to; what our emotions feel like doing. For example, if our body is inclined to laziness, we may not take the initiative to do the work with excellence. If we give in to our emotion of hurt, then we may be brooding over an offence for a while and may become a difficult person to work or live with. What is the result? We will live an unproductive life void of peace and joy.
However, if we live by the Spirit, we live lives that are directed and influenced by the Spirit of God. The spiritual side of us takes dominance instead of the body and emotion that can be so vulnerable. When we walk in the Spirit, we will direct our bodies to act in ways that will be honourable and healthy. We will also be in control of our emotions as the Spirit of the Lord will help us to understand what healthy emotion is and what is not.
Therefore, when we learn to ‘walk in the Spirit’ we will live the abundant life that the Lord has given and become a blessing wherever we may be!