Galatians 5:25 “Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.”
Last week I asked that we take some time and consider the evidence we see in our own lives which comes only because are walking with God. Of course, there will be no evidence of being in His presence or walking with Him if such is not the case. Be reminded that an occasional visit with God is far different from and produces far less evidence and change than walking with Him daily. The personal impact of daily interaction with Him and walking by His side is far greater than that of an occasional conference with Him. An occasional conference may (and I stress may) have its rewards but they are significantly limited as compared to the rewards of journeying in step with God.
Because of the significant rewards of walking with Him, God is very clear in His challenge for us to stay in step with Him. As we stay in step, we find our lives are changed. The change is universal in that there is no part of our lives which is left untouched. Our close journey with Him changes our heart and our minds. It changes what we see in the world and how we see the world. It changes our view of money and our view of value. It changes our level of commitment to our family and the family of God. It changes our consideration of earthly governments and our desire for heaven’s abodes.
The changes which come by walking with Him are intense and undeniable. When the changes start by way of walking with Him, we will not have to guess whether we are changing and neither will we have to guess as to the cause of the changes. We will know that we are being changed by Him. It will be the undeniable evidence of time with Him.
The changes within us are often personal. They may be evident to others but they will mean so much to us. The changes within us will always be needed but the changes may be different from one person to the next. What God needs to change in me may be dynamically different from what He needs to change in others.
Please forgive the personal references which follow but I want to share a couple ways in which my journey with Him have changed me. Many of you who have heard me preach know that I often get emotional and often I will be very teary. It has not always been that way. When I first began preaching I felt it was inappropriate to become emotional. I had an intense delivery and it was a “hell fire and brimstone” approach and tone.
Yet over time spent with God, I was changed and the change was needed. It is not necessary for every preacher to become emotional but it was for me. God needed to break my pride which exhibited itself by being in control in front of audiences as I shared the word of God. I needed to share God’s heart which weeps for the lost and for me it was being changed to cry when I share His Word.
Another way in which I have been changed has been my bend towards legalism. I used to be very legalistic. I was concerned for anyone who did not worship like the church I attended worshipped. I was sure churches that did not have Sunday night and Wednesday night services were lesser parts of God’s family. I was sure that the acapella style of worship was the only acceptable style before God. I needed to be changed and so as I walked with God, He changed me. He took me to other countries and to wonderful, inspiring Christian people in country and out whom He used to open my eyes to so much more than my very, very small world and understanding. If you had asked me twenty years ago if I would be ministering at a wonderful, contemporary, nontraditional church in Crawford County, Indiana I would have asked if you had lost your mind. I was sure I would never be in that kind of a church.
Not only am I in that kind of a church, I am having the time of my life. However, for me to be at Hillview Christian and feeling the incredible blessing of calling this congregation my church home, God had to change me and He did.
Thank you God for the changes you have made in me. The changes You made are so sweet and satisfying to my soul.
Even as I confess the changes He has made to me, I hear His loving voice say to me, “Shall we walk so more and go further?” As I say “Yes” to Him, I know there is more changes in store.
In the week to come, consider with me how the changes He has made in us are also visible to those who have opportunity to observe and know us. When God changes us, it becomes obvious to those around us.
Until then will you join me in saying to our loving God “Lead on, I will keep step with You.”
eMullins
