My work has an exercise initiative for the holidays and winter season. The program is called “Get Active.” Signing up is optional, but many of us join it for the friendly competition and incentive to move, since the winter weather and seasonal mood aren’t motivating. There’s plenty of banter in hallways and at meetings about our “number of steps” and tracking our virtual destinations! As I was getting ready for the day recently, I saw a note I had posted to myself: Keep in step with the Spirit (Galatians 5:25). It reminded me that taking steps and being active is healthy and fun, but being correctly “in step” spiritually is important too.
What does keeping “in step with the Spirit” mean? In another passage, Scripture tells us to be filled with God’s Spirit as opposed to being filled with wine (Ephesians 5:18). Alcohol has the effect of altering behavior to the point where you lose control over your actions and are numbed to reality. Letting the God’s Spirit take control protects us from errors and waywardness, comforts us in daily life, and guides us in decision-making and over attitudes. There is guaranteed safety and companionship as we keep pace with God’s Spirit. As I count my daily steps and stay active, I must also purposefully pursue the One with whom I walk.
