> General Discussions
Living in the Spirit vs. Walking in the Spirit
Gregor:
Greetings,
Lately I've been pondering what the difference is between just living in the spirit, and walking in the spirit. I really love the story of Peter walking on the water. One thing that I recently realized is that even after Peter took his eyes off Jesus and began to sink, and after Jesus reached out to save him, Peter still had to walk again back to the boat. What this means to me is that even when I've taken my focus off Jesus, cried out to him and he picks me up, I still need to keep walking (with Him) until I'm out of danger. I can't afford to just live. Where the spirit leads, I must follow. What would have happened if Peter had decided to stop walking, and Jesus continued on into the boat alone? Peter assuredly would have sunk again, missed the boat so-to-speak. Perhaps this is a lesson in perserverence? Maybe it relates to the parable of talents? Any thoughts?
G.
sonofone:
Hey Gregor I think I know what you mean,but my brain is getting in the way a little bit. If all you are saying is that we have to keep walking with Jesus even after we have fallen who can deny this.If you mean to say more and I missed it in your post blame it on ,my brain.
Gregor:
Greetings sonofone, and thanks for the reply.
I don't think it's your brain, but rather mine. I really appreciate your input in these threads. I feel that you have a genuine honest spirit about you. You ask good questions that make for some really interesting discussions. 8)
I guess I'm looking for some feedback on what it means to "walk" in the spirit as opposed to just "live" in the spirit. Peter was just an example of one of the things it means to me. I think it could also mean the same as:
James 2:14-20, NKJV "What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, and one of you says to them, 'Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,' but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. But someone will say, 'You have faith, and I have works.' Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe - and tremble. But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead?"
If someone only "lives" in the spirit, but doesn't learn to walk, are they as good as dead-in-the-water? It appears so. If our faith is dead, then we cannot please God. I feel sometimes as though I'm eating of the tree of knowledge of good and evil. I know evil (all too well :(). I'm trying to know good. If I'm living in the spirit too much and not really walking in the spirit, what's the difference? Could someone explain it to me? I'm sitting here seeking the truth, looking for answers, but have no real outlet to "walk" in. I feel isolated from the "body," like a ship caught in the doldrums. I think it's my brain that is in the way. :-\
DuluthGA:
Hi G-man!
My simple response to your inquiry is to include this question into your daily rapport with God:
How may I serve You today? Or how will You use me today or something similar.
I think the answers you will be given will add to your sense of inclusiveness and give you a place or places to start your walk.
Hope so. It helps me as even though my days are pretty routine and fairly predictable... this keeps it in my mind freshly that I am to be open in my perceptions for new opportunities in service and growth of all kinds...
Hope He surprises you REAL GOOD for your own behalf! :D
I have a feeling you will soon be VERY BUSY! ;D
:)
Gregor:
--- Quote from: DuluthGA on September 27, 2007, 08:19:37 PM ---My simple response to your inquiry is to include this question into your daily rapport with God:
How may I serve You today? Or something similar.
--- End quote ---
Thank you. I do believe this is a simple, yet very profound piece of advice. I know just raising my family is more than a huge challenge. Thanks again.
G.
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