How to Know You're Walking in the Spirit
“But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” Galatians 6:16.
What a beautiful and amazing promise! If we simply walk by the Spirit, we can avoid getting sucked into our fleshly desires. But what does walking by the Spirit require? What does it even look like? How do I even know whether or not I am walking by the Spirit?
I believe it requires a few basic elements such as an ability to hear the Spirit when He speaks, the ability to recognize the voice of the Spirit from other voices, and a willingness to walk in the way that the Spirit indicates we need to go.
Hearing the Spirit requires a quiet mind, which is the result of getting rid of all other voices in our head. Recognizing the voice of the Spirit requires some experience, but it really boils down to recognizing the quality of the voice. Is it peaceful, direct, informative, focused on truth, compassionate, convicting, and joyful? Or is it disruptive, confused, condemning, dark and fearful, angry and hateful? One is the voice of the Spirit, the other is the voice of the enemy. Be aware that we can have thoughts arise in our heads which are not from us or God. That’s why we need to recognize what is going on.
For example, in a recent attack from the enemy, my head was cloudy, and I was focused on things which I really wished to be rid of. After some time, the cloud lifted, and I was back to the relational wholeness I have come to enjoy. In the moment, I wasn’t sharp enough to recognize what was happening because it came slowly in repeated events. But looking back, it’s clear enough.
Finally, we need to be willing to walk in the way of the Spirit. We can find this “way” in the Scriptures:
“How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word.” Psalm 119:9
“Your word in a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Psalm 119:105
We can find the way in the words of rebuke from a trusted brother or sister. We can find the way by the inner voice we hear, the voice of the Spirit who directs us to the right way.
“And though the LORD give you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction, yet your Teacher will not hide himself anymore, but your eyes shall see your teacher. And your ears shall hear the word behind you saying, ‘This is the way, walk in it,’ when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left.” Isaiah 30:20-21
Recently, I asked others what they thought following the Spirit’s voice sounded like, and we had a wonderful conversation. I often ask other brothers and sisters their opinions when I am not clear of the meaning of a Bible concept. Below is what people said:
The Spirit shows us people who need a hug. He tells us to speak a word of encouragement or exhortation.
He brings us into uncomfortable situations where reconciliation is needed. He calls us to speak truth that, if accepted, can bring God’s healing.
He encourages us to bless others.
He calls us to pray and mourn over losses.
He gives us the insight to know when to lift up a brother or sister who is carrying a load too heavy for them, while also restraining us from carrying the load of someone who is refusing to take responsibility (Galatians 6:1-5).
Hearing the voice of the Lord is a moment-by-moment interaction. His voice allows us to “walk in the Spirit” and leads us away from following the desires of the flesh.
Don’t you want to learn to walk in this way? It takes practice. It takes humility. It takes community. But it is the way of the LORD.