August 8 | Galatians 5:22-25
- Ken Dillman
- Aug 7
- 3 min read
DAILY READING
REFLECTION
Keeping in Step with the Spirit
By Ken Dillman
My granddaughter will turn three years old next month; I’m amazed at the amount of trust she has had in me her entire life.
She trusts me to push her high on the tire swing hanging from the neighbor’s tree, she trusts me to catch her as she comes zooming down the slide at the park, she trusts me to not get off the teetertotter that would cause her to collapse to the ground, and she trusts me to hold her hand as we walk across the street.
My granddaughter has some innate sense of danger; we once were walking through our county fairgrounds with crowds surrounding us, then, almost inexplicably she turned to me with fear in her eyes and launched herself into my arms, all the while keeping a wary eye on a nearby man.
In writing to the church at Galatia, the apostle Paul wants those in the fellowships to trust his leadership, guidance, and words. We get a sense of Paul’s concern for the Galatians when he writes, “My little children, for whom I am again in the anguish of childbirth until Christ is formed in you!” (Gal. 4:19) Paul’s concern for the Galatians was acute, he was willing to suffer as a mother giving birth to a child, so that Jesus would be preeminent in their lives.
In contrasting the fruits of the flesh (Gal. 5:19-21) with the fruits of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23) Paul paints a picture of what a life lived in the Holy Spirit looks like: Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control…if we live by the Spirit and keep in step (walk) with the Spirit. (Gal. 5:25)
Paul describes the transformation that can occur in a person’s life if they allow themselves to derive their true life from the Spirit of God and move as the Spirit dictates while under His influence.
There is a union that exists between us and the Holy Spirit when we have been born again, born of the Spirit; it allows us to be supernaturally connected.
My granddaughter and I have a similar union; one in which she moves as I move, holding my hand, trusting what I’m doing, and embracing me when circumstances and people are a little uncertain.
When we keep in step with the Holy Spirt, we’re walking side by side with Him, we’re not out in front of Him, we’re not lagging behind Him, and we don’t lose sight of him, it’s as though we are holding his hand, much like my granddaughter does with me.
PRAYER
Father, would you help us to walk so closely with your Spirit that we can feel His heartbeat and sense His movement. As we do, Lord, help us to move with you and be a part of what you’re doing in our world.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
KEN DILLMAN
My wife, Karen and I have been attending UALC for 6-7 years and enjoy God's presence in our gatherings. We live in Hilliard; our three adult children live in Central Ohio. I am a retired Chaplain and Pastor, and enjoy writing, walking, jogging, and listening to live music. I appreciate the opportunity to write for the church’s devotionals.
O I liked this devotional and prayer so much today, Ken! Thank you! ❤
Lucky granddaughter :)
Beautiful message...love the prayer.
I relate to analogies. We experience hand in hand with a child. So it should be the same belief , and trust with our father, which should be renewed each day. Isn't that the plan and message of the Gospel? Thanks be to God.
This is so good. The picture you paint helps me to see how this scripture can be lived out. Walking hand in hand with the Spirit, who is vital in our journey.