by far, the most important lesson I've ever learned:
what it means to LIVE BY THE SPIRIT.
I've always loved that phrase. like seriously, LOVED it. Galatians 5 was literally taped to my bathroom mirror at one point. it sounded so legit and beautiful – and it totally IS – but I never understood what it actually meant. I knew what it looked like in other people. and I thought I knew what it looked like in me.
but holy smokes, was I sooooo so wrong. hahaha.
I laugh because my previous perception of what living by the Spirit looked like in me was completely distorted and ridiculous. it was based soley on my own effort. I just could not seem to fully grasp the concept of giving God total control over my entire being. it was such a foreign idea to me. I had found ways to seemingly hand over control, without REALLY giving it all to Him on a daily basis. and I liked it that way. or so I thought.
but come training camp, the Lord had another plan (as He usually does).
my heart was shattered and pieced back together by my gracious, loving Father. and as a result, all control I was holding on to got handed over to Him.
I never knew letting go could be so freeing.
and that's exactly what it is.
living by the Spirit is freedom.
because our Daddy loves us so fiercely, He gives us a choice every day, every hour, every second – to live by the Spirit, HIS Spirit, or not.
personally, I never want to go back to choosing my own way.
the Holy Spirit is where it's at!
Jesus said, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life" (John 14:6).
it makes perfect sense.
living by the Spirit is THE Way. it lifts a massive burden we were never meant to carry.
living by the Spirit IS Truth. there is no room for lies from the world or the enemy where God's Truth resides.
and living by the Spirit brings LIFE.
the Spirit of God breathes and gives life to dry bones.
why live any other way?
