Galatians 5:25-26, “If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.”
Paul had just said in Galatians 5:16 to “Walk in the Spirit and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” Do you see yourself as a Spirit-filled believer? What does that look like? I think we all know what it does not look like. Do you always submit to the Holy Spirit’s promptings? It sounds pretty simple, but do you always have a Spirit-controlled attitude? I confess I do not all the time, and then suffer from having regrets and replay in my mind what I wish I would have said instead in those conversations. My expectations in the relationship is involved leading to satisfactory or unsatisfactory results in a point in time. Paul is saying that if we are going to be walking in the Spirit then we must have patience and love in our feelings with one another, reflecting the fruit of the Spirit. People will always disappoint us the longer we know them. But the longer we know the Lord, the more He will impress us with His goodness, unconditional love, and faithfulness.
In verse 25, Paul used the Greek word stoicheo and is a different verb than in verse 16. It means “walk in a line behind a leader.” When going into a new meeting with my work, I picture myself marching behind my spiritual leader, the Holy Spirit; therefore I can hold my head up high, straighten up and pull back my shoulders, and stand up straight! No slouching with poor posture because I have a connection with my divine redeemer, shepherd, comforter, and deliverer; therefore, I will follow the divine wisdom He will give me in carrying out the work He has given me to do. He will go before me because He is my leader, leading the way. I just need to follow Him and keep my eyes focused on Jesus.
A cross-reference verse to Galatians 5:26 is Philippians 2:3, “Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.” There must have been some abrasive and robust personality types within the Galatian churches since Paul warned them about not being “conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.” The definition of causing provocation means – inciting in making someone annoyed or deliberately angry. Resentment then usually occurs. Think about that the next time you see an argument starts to happen. Be on guard and be very careful about submitting to that challenge. Personal integrity, godly character, and moral courage is how we are to walk in the Spirit. Each of us is an original. God doesn’t need duplicates.
March in line, behind your Heavenly leader. God has a purpose for you, so stand up straight, put on humility, and have God-confidence. He is establishing your path. Follow and keep your eyes focused on Jesus.
Listen to Casting Crowns -Only Jesus (Official Lyric Video) 8/21/2018.