Introduction

Walking in the spirit of Jesus Christ is more than just a religious concept; it’s a deeply personal journey that transforms every aspect of my life. As a Bible-based Christian, I’m building upon my understanding and embodying the teachings of Jesus in my daily life. In this post, I’ll share my experiences, insights, and practical tips on what it truly means to walk in the spirit of Jesus Christ.

Understanding the Concept:

At its core, walking in the spirit of Jesus Christ means living in alignment with His teachings and example. It involves cultivating a deep connection with God through prayer, study of the Scriptures, and communion with the Holy Spirit. For me, this journey began with a commitment to follow Jesus wholeheartedly, surrendering my will to His and allowing His love to guide my actions.

“Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.”
(James 4:7)

This means I’ve completely, verbally, and spiritually, with all my being.. submitted to Him, given myself over to His will, lovingly and wholeheartedly.  For me personally, I was hesitant to give myself over when I realized this was a necessary act, I have never felt more vulnerable to anything in my life, but I am so very thankful to the Lord that I did. This changed everything!

Personal Reflections:

Reflecting on my own journey, I’ve found that walking in the spirit of Jesus Christ requires a daily renewal of my mind and heart. It’s about seeking His guidance in every decision, big or small, and trusting that His ways are higher than mine. There have been times when I’ve struggled to let go of my own desires and ambitions, but through prayer and faith, I’ve learned to surrender to God’s will and embrace His plan for my life. I can’t describe how beneficial this has been in my life, it’s been so instrumental in my daily walk and amazing to see God’s hand in my life because of it. I encourage you to trust in Him with all that is in your life.

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”
(Proverbs 3:5-6)

“Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him, and he will act.” (Psalms 37:5)

Practical Tips:

1. Prayer: Prayer is essential for nurturing a relationship with God and discerning His will. I make it a priority to spend time in prayer each day, all day, seeking God’s guidance and wisdom for any challenges I face. In every decision, whether large or small, I make an effort to present it to Him and then listen for His guidance.

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)

“do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7)

2. Study the Scriptures: The Bible is our roadmap for living a life of faith and obedience. I devote time to studying God’s Word, meditating on its truths, and applying its principles to my life and trying to live it.  We are not perfect beings, but I always strive to do my best for the Lord.

“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”
(2 Timothy 3:16-17)

“Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path.” (Psalms 119:105)

3. Fellowship: Surrounding myself with other believers who share my faith has been very instrumental in my spiritual growth. I participate in a local church community where I can worship, learn, and encourage others on their journey of faith. My pastor, Dave, has been such a tremendous blessing in my life. His guidance has helped me immensely in understanding my newfound faith journey. Pastor Dave has walked alongside me, shedding light on what it truly means to live as a Christian. Through his teaching, I’ve delved into deeper levels of scripture, gaining insights that resonate deeply with me. He’s shown me how these teachings apply practically to everyday life, enriching my understanding and strengthening my walk with the Lord.
This was a blessing and gift from the Lord in my life, as I had struggled to find such a place for years. We should all be so blessed as to have this resource available, I prayed for it, the Lord delivered!

“And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:24-25)

“As iron sharpens iron, So a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.” (Proverbs 27:17)

4. Practicing Love and Compassion: Jesus taught us to love God and love our neighbors as ourselves. I strive to embody His love and compassion in my interactions with others, showing kindness, forgiveness, and empathy. This is, of course, not of our doing, but the Holy Spirit within us. This makes no sense and would be impossible without Christ in our lives, especially towards those whom we would easily considered ‘enemies’ in our lives.

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.”
(Galatians 5:22-23)

“But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,” (Matthew 5:44)

Challenges and Rewards:

Walking in the spirit of Jesus Christ is not always easy. There are challenges and obstacles along the way, including doubt, temptation, and opposition from the world. This will always be a constant in the Christian life. The struggles are real! You are not alone! Many in Christ initially grapple with the realization that it won’t be an easy journey.

Romans 8:18 reminds us of the reality of struggles: ‘For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.’

1 Peter 4:12-13 encourages us not to be surprised by trials: ‘Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you…’

John 16:33 offers comfort: ‘I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.’

Yet, the rewards far outweigh the difficulties. Through this journey, I’ve experienced peace, joy, and eventually found a deep sense of purpose that can only come from knowing and following Jesus. Thank you Lord!

Conclusion:

In conclusion, walking in the spirit of Jesus Christ is a lifelong journey of faith, obedience, and transformation. It’s about surrendering our will to God’s and allowing His love to flow through us and share it with others. As I continue on this journey, I find these words of the apostle Paul to be so true and relatable in my life:
“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me” (Galatians 2:20).

May we all strive to walk in the spirit of Jesus Christ, showing off His love and light to the world around us.