Freedom to Walk by The Spirit

So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. (Galatians 5:16-18 NIV)

The law of sin and death no longer have power over those of us who have come home to the Father through the Son and received the Holy Spirit. The power of God's Spirit allows us to walk by the Spirit. The things that got to us before no longer have power over us now. We can get rid of the deeds of the flesh.

The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. (Galatians 5:19-21 NIV)

I'm usually a "glass half full" kind of a guy. That's why my teaching often focuses on the positive things God provides for us and the benefits of walking together with God. But just for today, go back and read those negative items on the list above. While you're reading them, may I suggest that you think about all the problems that get introduced into our lives when we live like this. Drunkenness has a long list we could detail. Dissensions, factions, and envy have ruined many a good relationship. Don't get me started on fits of rage. Even sexual immorality introduces problems like sexually transmitted diseases, unplanned pregnancies, and the decision to have an abortion to "fix" the "problem." The acts of the flesh can really turn our lives upside down.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. (Galatians 5:22-24 NIV)

The Spirit leads us into places that are always good. Our minds and hearts are healed by the Spirit. We experience joy and peace by the Spirit. We sleep better at night, enjoy work during the day, have better relationships and know that we are good with God when we walk by the Spirit. God's Spirit really does lead us into a better life than without. It is truly a blessing to walk together with God.

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

So how about you? Do you exercise your freedom to walk by the Spirit? Do you keep in step with the Spirit? Do you experience the benefits and blessings that come from it?