Galatians 5:19-26
Reflect
For many years I was an avid whitewater kayaker. I taught myself how to roll on a calm lake. I then took a course, and the instructor told me that I must forget everything that I taught myself and learn his way, as my way was using my brute strength, which was fine in calm water but insufficient in storming rapids. He told me to be “one with the kayak” (yup, kinda weird), and then to ride the current, as I couldn’t create the rapids, but I could tap into its force, hang on tight and feel the thrill of the experience. For sure, I got it wrong often, but eventually I got it, and it was exhilarating!
This is what today’s passage is saying. There are only two ways to go through life: our own flesh filled way (vv19-21) or the Spirit filled way (vv22-24). Many of us keep returning to our own way. Others are nervous about trusting the Spirit’s ways. His ways will shake us out of apathy and/or our safe comfort zones, and will guide us into the life beyond competition.
Are you ready to stop pretending to act like a Christian, or striving to look like others? Trust the Spirit to set you on the current, and ride the rapids. Abandon doing what is natural for humans and embrace what is natural with the Spirit.
Apply
What does the next step in “riding” with the Spirit look like for you?
Pastor Dan
Pray
- Pray for our Prime Minister and Premier, Mayor Sohi, your MP, your MLA, and any other government officials God brings to your mind.
- Pray for Karen Alksne, our Congregational Life Ministry Associate.
- Pray for our Worship Ministries Assistant, Daniel Zander.