Walk

 Galatians 5:16 ESV

 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.

Elsewhere we're told to keep in step with the Spirit. I think there's two main ways we can get out of step with the Spirit and seek gratification elsewhere. One way is selfish hedonism. The other is self righteous moralism.

Hedonism is an obvious way people try and gratify the desires of the flesh. Whether it's 'sex, drugs and rock 'n' roll' or eating, drinking and being merry- hedonism is often about idolising good things and allowing them to usurp God's place. Biblically for example, even though sex is good, it should be enjoyed within hetrosexual, monogamous marriages for life, and not at the expense of prayer.

Another way people seek to gratify the desires of the flesh is moralism. This is more subtle. They might have an appearance of godliness, but they deny its power- God- and seek to take credit for their own self righteousness.

In our flesh we want to be proud of ourselves. In our flesh we want to pat ourselves on the back. Spiritually we should walk humbly with our God by his Spirit.

'Gracious God, we're so grateful for your willingness to walk with us. Please help us to walk with you, until you call us home. In Christ's name, amen'.