Keep in Step with the Spirit

"If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit."  Galatians 5:25

As Christians, we are called to walk with the Spirit.  What does this mean?  The Greek origin helps me visualize the meaning of this scripture:  stoicheo' -walk in cadence, to keep in step*

When I was in high school I played flute in the marching band.  In preparation for a parade or a half-time performance at a football game, we had to learn how to "keep in step".  What was the beat?  What direction to turn and when?  Yes, we had to keep in step, as lead by our Drum Major's design.  How did we learn to do this (and play music at the same time)?

• We listened to the Drum Majors instruction
• We practiced marching in step
• We learned new skills (turns, scatters, pivots)
• We practiced more
• We built on learned steps to walk in new formations

When we are seeking to "keep in step" with the Spirit, the marching band list might be applied:

Listen
          -Read His word, What is He saying to you?
          -talk to fellow believers
          -Pray for direction and listen

Practice (real-life practice)
           -His word and leading steps
           -the direction you are being called to

Learn New Skills/Insights
          -Continue to learn from God and His word
          -Find Christian resources that are helpful
          -continue to discuss with fellow believers

Practice More (real-life practice)
          -each day ask God to lead you with HIS spirit
          -share the work God is doing in you, with trusted friends/coworkers
          -share your challenges in "keeping in step with the Spirit", with trusted friends/coworkers

Build on what you've already learned
          -ask the Holy Spirit to stretch and use what He's been teaching you

Walk in New Formations
           -continue to listen, practice/apply, learn new skills/insights, build on God's work in you

What helps you "keep in step" with the Spirit?
What new steps is God teaching you (or renewed steps?)?  New formations?
What do you want to do next to "walk in step with the Spirit"?


"And I am convinced and sure of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will continue until the day of Jesus Christ, developing [that good work], and perfecting and bringing it to full completion in you." Philippians 1:6

*Helps Word Studies, as found on the internet

Combat Fear in Relationships....Build Bridges of Trust

Do you desire to build trust with a coworker, family member, neighbor or friend?

We've all been a part of conversations where one or both parties shut down or close each other off.  This often comes from fear or perceived threat.   Research and science have shown us that conversations have a neurochemical component.  When there is mistrust or fear, cortisol closes down the part of the brain (prefrontal cortex), that connects with others, is creative, and innovative.  When trust is present in the conversation, oxytocin is produced, which opens up the prefrontal cortex.* 

Fear Puts up Walls and Shuts Down Healthy Conversation

 Judith Glaser states in her book Conversational Intelligence:

“The best antidotes to the brain’s fear are trust, empathy, and support.  When someone shows concern for us, our brain chemistry makes a shift.  We become calmer, we regain our composure ……Because conversations depend on how we think, how we listen, and how we speak, it’s vital that we learn to bring ourselves into a state of trust in order to ensure conversational success.”

 Offer Trust, Empathy and Support

• Listen to the person without judgment
• Ask questions to gain understanding and see their perspective
• Seek a tangible way to support them (listen, offer a meal, help them with a task)

Reflect, Ask & Act:

• When you converse with someone, what puts you in defense or fear mode?

• Think of someone at work, in your family, a neighbor, or friend:

            

-Listen to them without judgment

-Ask Questions to gain an understanding of their view or circumstance

-Seek a tangible way to support them

-Do something together with them

*Conversational Intelligence, by Judith Glaser