“I say then: “Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.”” — Galatians 5:16 NKJV
Think of a blind man walking with his guide. Every step he takes depends on listening closely, holding on tightly, and trusting the one who sees what he cannot. This is what it means to walk in the Spirit: to rely on Him rather than be led by the impulses of the flesh.
The metaphor of “walk” in scripture is intentional. It speaks to how we live — our daily conduct, decisions, desires, and habits. To walk in the Spirit means moving in step with His influence and direction. It is a continuous, moment-by-moment surrender to the Spirit’s leading.
In his letter to the Galatians, Paul contrasts this Spirit-led walk with life according to the flesh. The flesh refers to our old, sinful nature that resists God (Galatians 5:19-21). He warns that those who live by the flesh will not inherit the kingdom of God (1 Corinthians 6:9). This does not mean believers never stumble. Instead, walking in the Spirit keeps us aware of the struggles and helps us resist the pull of the flesh as we yield to Him.
Those who belong to Christ have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires (Galatians 5:24), not by their strength, but through the Spirit working in them as they walk with Him.
As we continue in step with the Spirit, His fruit grows in us (Galatians 5:22-23). Paul does not describe these as “fruits” but as the ‘fruit’ of the Spirit. This is because they form one unified expression of Christlike character. These qualities grow together as the result of His work within us. They take root over time, marking a life formed into Christ’s likeness, who embodied them all perfectly.
However, this walk is not without challenges. Though we are new creations in Christ, we live in a fallen world. The flesh still pulls, but the Spirit still leads. We are not left to walk alone. The Spirit is our constant companion, guiding, strengthening, and keeping us.
So, believers, let this be our conviction: when we walk in the Spirit, we do not fulfill the desires of the flesh. His presence is with and within us, shaping our steps and bearing fruit that lasts.
Bible Reading Plan: Nehemiah 1-3; Luke 18:1-17