IN STEP WITH THE SPIRIT

Since we live by the Spirit,
let us keep in step with the Spirit.
Galatians 5:25

Keeping in step with the Spirit is similar to traveling by sighted guide. Since losing much of my central and peripheral vision, I have become unable to walk in unfamiliar settings without assistance. So I have had to learn to take the arm of another person and then rely on them completely for directional cues. To follow their lead and keep in step with their stride, I have to concentrate completely on what they are saying and doing.

Of course, the value of a sighted guide is immeasurable. They are the ones who see what is ahead and can alert me to possible danger. They can alter my course to avoid getting hurt or going off in the wrong direction. They can also keep me from embarrassing myself—like the time I wasn’t paying attention and wandered right into the men’s room. Yes, it really happened!

The voice of my sighted guide is a comfort and encouragement, because I know she is on my side and has my best interests at heart. If I don’t listen attentively, I will end up in the wrong place–like the men’s room or in the middle of a dangerous intersection.

And trust me … it’s easy to get distracted! Since I love to talk, that most often gets me into trouble. I’ve learned we have two ears and only one mouth for a very practical reason! I can also be distracted by the noise of the world around me (like car horns or loud music), or the noise of my own thoughts and agendas.

In our spiritual walk, the Holy Spirit acts as our Sighted Guide. He has the sight we don’t have. He sees dangers we don’t see. He knows what we don’t know and leads us to walk in the Light hidden from our natural eyes. He knows what’s in the dark, and because He has my best interests at heart, He can always be trusted.

Are you listening to the voice of your Spiritual Sighted Guide? Or are you distracted by the noise of the world or your own agenda? Are you taking the Spirit’s arm and trusting Him to lead, or going your own way in a different direction?

Why not pause right where you are and listen for the Lord today? Ask Him to open your eyes and ears to see and hear Him. Invite Him to take the lead as you commit to “keep in step with the Spirit.”