Galatians 5:25-26 – “Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking, and envying each other.”  NIV

I chose this version for the words ‘keep in step with the Spirit.’  The others say, ‘walk by the Spirit’ and that is great but the thought in my head and heart is about Spiritual Warfare, training, and marching to God’s drumbeat so it fits perfectly.  I have had some tell me when I speak about ‘spiritual warfare’ that we are not really in a war and that if we leave the devil alone, he will leave us alone.  I’m sorry but I have never observed the devil form a ‘non-aggression pact’ with any Christian, he certainly hasn’t with me, and I don’t want one from him.  I think the price would be way too high!

We are in a WAR spiritually and as the Body of Christ we are ‘The Army of God’ or we are supposed to be.  God has provided us with ‘weapons of spiritual warfare’ that are mighty through God to the pulling down of the devil’s strongholds.  It is important that we realize that we are in a war, in God’s army, have weapons, and learn how to use them.  Repeatedly the Bible writers under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit inserted ‘military language’ in their writings and it is beneficial for us to notice it and study it.

MARCHING in the military is not just an exercise to make people jump through hoops frivolously.  Marching is disciplined, orderly, and efficient.  It is an incredibly effective way to move a sizeable group of people from one location to another in a disciplined and orderly manner and quickly.  For soldiers to march, they have to have discipline and follow orders.  If you have ever tried to march when someone in front or behind, you are out of step you know how difficult and frustrating that can be but when a company of soldiers march in unison it is not only impressive it is incredibly efficient.  As the Army of God, we need to learn how to MARCH!

What I’m talking about is ‘moving’ the Body of Christ from one battlefield to another ‘prepared’ and ‘ready’ to take on the enemy instantly and efficiently.  The objective is for the Body of Christ, especially as is reflected in the local fellowship to move as an ‘efficient unit.’  But how do we do that?

LET ME ADDRESS SOME MYTHS FIRST…

• After You Receive Christ and are Born Again ALL Your Problems are Solved.

I believe that if you have been a Christian any length of time you know that is not factual but in case you have not realized it yet, I say it.  Unfortunately, we are still residents in this present natural world that are touched by the supernatural world.  The average citizen does not learn, nor do they march in unison and ranks.  They do not need it, but the soldier does.  It is the soldier that is given ‘marching orders’ when trouble arises!

• Walking in the Spirit is for an Elite Group of Super-spiritual People.

Again, hopefully, you have realized that this is also false and that it is for ‘whosoever will’.  In military boot camp, No One is exempt from Marching.  God intends for every child of God to live in victory and learn to be a good soldier which includes knowing how to “Walk or March in the Spirit.”

Again, the question should be or could be – “How do we do that?”  I will come back tomorrow and deal with these but want to mention some things in closing for the day:

• We Must Refuse to Worry.
• We Must Learn the Value and Importance of Praying about Everything.
• We Must Learn the Power and Embark on the Path of Praising God in All Things and at All Times.

Those three areas will make a dramatic difference in our lives and we will look at them in a little more detail in the days to come. 

But until then may God be with you as you go through your day!