David Bahn – Reflections

But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. ¹⁷ For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. ¹⁸ But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. ¹⁹ Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, ²⁰ idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, ²¹ envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. ²² But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, ²³ gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. ²⁴ And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.

²⁵ If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. ²⁶ Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.

Maybe you’ve had a very picky boss. He watches your every move. She micromanages every decision. You want a new desk lamp? Do you really need it? You turn in a report. Did you double-check the spelling and grammar? Admittedly, sometimes we need those gentle reminders – especially if we don’t have those red squiggly lines showing up in mispeled misspelled words! But the burden of sending daily reports of every 15 minutes of your work day, or being constantly second-guessed in your decision-making can wear thin.

I’m not sure why, but this came to mind when I read these word: But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. Somehow these words refreshed my spirit. Somehow they struck a note in my soul. 

The Spirit, according to Jesus, points us to Jesus. His role is to bear witness about Jesus, affirming His identity and work. And I love where Jesus – unashamedly – says “He will glorify me, because he will take what is mine and declare it to you” (John 16:14).

I was confirmed as a college student. The pastor gave me a confirmation verse that aligns with these thoughts: Jesus says, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. ²⁹ Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. ³⁰ For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-30). 

I’m taking this to heart today, and rejoicing that I don’t have to fight the Holy Spirit’s work in my heart. He leads me back to Jesus, and gives me precious gifts of patience, goodness, kindness, and love.