Galatians Chapter 5: Verses 25-26 (NIV)
Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.
Hebrews Chapter 12: Verses 1-2 (NIV)
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Today’s reading in Galatians reminded me first of all of an old phrase that I first heard my Gran use. In her Dumfriesshire accent she often quoted, “They’re a’ oot o’ step bar oor Jock!” She used it to describe someone who couldn’t accept that they, or someone they loved may have got something wrong. I looked up the history of the phrase and discovered that it’s originally a line from a World War One song called, “They were all out of step but Jim” written by Irving Berlin. You can imagine in a great military parade, which the UK does so well, like Trooping the Colour, the time and effort that goes into rehearsals to make sure the soldiers are in step with one another. They move with such precision it would be really noticeable if someone was out of step!
Paul tells the Galatians that the most important person to be completely in step with is the Holy Spirit. Not lagging behind Him, or running in front, but step by step, and side by side. It got me thinking that we need to not be necessarily trying to keep in step with other people, and concerning ourselves with what they are doing. We may in fact need to be out of step with the things that are going on in the world today – in such instances therefore it is perfectly ok not to want to keep pace with the world, if the Holy Spirit is leading us another way.
The writer of the Hebrews tells us we each have our own race marked out for us. We are not in a race against anyone else. And we need to ensure that we are running completely alongside the Holy Spirit!
Dear Lord,Thank You for the gift and guidance of the Holy Spirit who wants to ensure that we finish our race well. Help me to ensure that I am always in step with Him and not be concerned with what anyone else is doing. I ask in Jesus’