In Step With the Spirit (Galatians 5:16-26 ESV)

 Personality changes may be, perhaps, seen in negative light.  I'd like to change that narrative by introducing God's ideal as seen in Galatians 5:16-26.  I'm using the ESV YouVersion.

Keeping in step with the Holy Spirit, walking by the Spirit, and being led by the Holy Spirit, are terms that as we read them, we may breeze through.  But taking some time to stop and ponder the significance is worthwhile.

When we do, we'll observe the personality change of the before and after person's character.  That is, the person who has accepted Jesus Christ as Savior and has instantly been indwelt by the Holy Spirit - God's Son's Spirit; that Comforter and Guide.

Their old way of thinking and operating, which is according to 'the flesh' to gratify the desires of the flesh,' need to be relinguished.  As the born again believer grows in Christ, he or she will leave those

 "works of the flesh" 

such as sexual immorality, idolatry, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, envy, drunkeness and the like, behind.

Case in point, for example, did you know that more recent data is that one in five children in the USA alone, are said to have been sexually abused?  The perpetrator is generally someone they know, such as a parent, grandparent, brother, uncle, someone of their own peer group or a neighbor or family friend.

If you had been someone like this before your salvation, know that Jesus who raised Lazarus from the dead, also said,

 "unbind him, and let him go" (John 11:44 ESV).

The grave clothes, those linen strips and of the cloth that had wrapped his face and body, needed to be removed.  Unwind them, and Lazarus could walk freely.

A believer in Jesus Christ needs to have his 'grave clothes' unwrapped.  As we allow the Holy Spirit and God's Word teach us, and we obey and follow these 'revelations,' our personality and character, will be transformed by the renewal of our minds and actions.

The works of the flesh will drop away - not like magic, generally speaking, but one step at a time.  The fruit of the Spirit will begin to shine in our hearts and actions.  There will be peace and joy, gentleness, kindness, goodness, self-control and so on.

"Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires" (Galatians 5:24).

Incidently, if you have been a person who engaged in being the perpetrator of sexual abuse, you may have to turn yourself in.  It is a serious matter that needs to be addressed.  The survivor of such abuse (if they have survived) will be affected for life but by God's grace the victims can find healing.  May the Lord help and comfort those of you who have been so terribly treated!!

  Lord, have mercy!

Take the pain of all these children and the many who have grown into adults, those who have been betrayed by a family member or others who were supposed to have been trusted friends or teachers or neighbors, but also the strangers that perpetuate such violence against children (especially), take this pain Jesus.  Help them, have mercy upon them.  May they find solace in You, and healing.  Oh Lord, You must cry too, as we do for these people.  Turn their ashes into something that gives life to all their wounded hearts, so they can overcome. Your enemy, Satan only comes to steal, kill and destroy but You come to give life and that they may have it more abundantly.  Lord, have mercy.  I ask in Jesus' name.  Amen (see John 10:10).

When we live by the Spirit we will be more apt to keep in step with the Spirit (Galatians 5:25).  Let's aim for this restoration and perfection of our souls.

                                              ~  ERC  July 2026  ~

Based on Galatians 5:16-26 ESV.

Sing, New Creation, along with Mac Powell (quite lively) and Made New, along with Jason Nelson (a bit noisy but the lyrics are good).