Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.
— GALATIANS 5:25

For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit
— ROMANS 14:17

What happens when the “treadmill” of life seems to be too fast, too steep? In the last year, I’ve intentionally improved my physical health. Two changes were needed: healthier food choices and increased exercise. I’m grateful for a treadmill in the basement, which was most helpful in the winter months. Normally, I eat a light snack prior to exercising. Water consumption also goes up, naturally. A good treadmill workout creates a thirst for about a litre of water.

And what about breathing? Unlike the deliberate choices for additional food and water, increased breathing just happens automatically. As the treadmill load increases through a faster pace or an increased incline, my breathing pace and volume go up—automatically!

What about our spiritual lives? What happens when the “treadmill” of life seems to be too fast, too steep? Do we thirst for living water? Do we spend more time spiritually hydrating with Jesus, the source of living water?

What about our spiritual breathing? Do we spend more time in prayer seeking the presence and power of the Spirit? Or, as life’s challenges increase, is our tendency to spend less time with Jesus, less time keeping in step with the Spirit?

The words of Galatians 5:25 and Romans 14:17 invite us to consider the importance of keeping in step with the Spirit’s presence, power and joy.

Dear God, help me to breathe you in. Even when I don’t feel particularly aware of my dependence on you, I know that I need you. Help me to live in the presence and power of your Holy Spirit today..

REFLECTION QUESTIONS
1. Am I in step with the Spirit? Is my spiritual breathing being hindered by the busyness, worries and pace of life?
2. How can I structure my days to ensure that I am exercising dependence on the Spirit?

Paul Lorimer is the Vice President, Finance for the C&MA

Image By Staff Sgt. Anthony Hyatt [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons