Jerry Lewis

I can’t remember where I was when this thought occurred to me? I’ve spent so many years of my life being driven when God really wants to lead me. I’ve been driven to achieve academically, work efficiently, perform spiritually, run faster (yes, literally!). You name it and I have signed up for the “driven to ________________” class way too many times. Listen to this tiny verse that packs a big punch:

But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.

Galatians 5:18, ESV

Don’t miss the contrast in terms: led or under. Paul sets up a dichotomy here. We will either be led by the Spirit or under the law. Let’s take a closer look. To be under the law is to feel the weight of guilt for your sin. Sin feels good in the moment, but feels awful later. The law points out sin (which is good) but is powerless to correct it.

Not the Spirit!

The Holy Spirit leads. How? He lives inside and eagerly takes God’s word and applies it to any situation we find ourselves in. Struggling with anger? The Spirit reminds you, “Be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger.” (James 1:19). Worried? The Spirit responds, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, present your requests to God.” (Philippians 4:6) Blown it? The Spirit pulls up Romans 8:1, “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” That’s leadership!

I know what you’re thinking. I don’t know all those verses. And you’re onto something. The Spirit can’t remind you of what you’ve never heard! How can you, over the next 38 days, find 10 minutes a day, just ten minutes, to get into the Word and the Word into you? Write verses on cards, on your mirror, in your planner. Make them as screensavers on your phone. Choose an accountability partner, a spouse, or a friend who’ll help you with this. You’ll see fruit immediately!

If you’ve neglected time in God’s Word, here’s a prayer of repentance. (Mean what you pray here!) Father, you have given me your precious word, and I have treated it as so much less than what it is. What a gift! Forgive me for neglecting so great a gift. Today, with your prompting and the Spirit’s convicting, I’ll dust off my Bible, put it in a prominent place, and begin the work of returning to your Word. I can’t wait to see what you have to say to me through your precious Word. In Jesus’ (the living Word) name. Amen.