Living or Walking

”If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit.“. ‭‭Galatians‬ ‭5‬:‭25‬ ‭‬‬

We live Strong’s G2198 – zaō to live i. e. pass life, of the manner of living and acting; of morals or character: 

To walk Strong’s G4748 – stoicheō –  to walk: with a locative dative (according to dictionary.com.of, relating to, or being a grammatical case that typically marks the indirect object of a verb, the object of some prepositions, or a person or thing that possesses someone or something else) to direct one’s life, to live, with a dative of the rule if the Holy Spirit animates us under the end, let us exhibit that control of the Spirit in our life,

If we live by the Spirit it is a choice we make to act in a specific manner. Our character reflects the decision, we live by a set of morals and actions that line up with Holy Spirit. Maybe I am wrong, but I would call this behavior modification.

If we walk by the Spirit we allow Him to operate in us. I would call this a change of heart, dying to self. As Paul says

”I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.“. ‭‭Galatians‬ ‭2‬:‭20‬

Living by the Spirit might check off some boxes and give the outward appearance of obedience. Walking in the Spirit is a surrender of self to the Spirit, so that Je works in and through us. Holy Spirit possesses all of us when we walk by the Spirit.

I don’t believe God wants my behavior modification Christianity. He wants a surrendered walk by the Holy Spirit. He wants His power to flow in and through me to accomplish His will and purpose in my life. He created me, each of us, for something bigger than we can do in our own power or moral character. We need power from on high to do what He has called us to do.

Many Christians live by the Spirit. He indwells every believer. However we are commanded to walk by the Spirit and that is a choice we make. Which will You chose?

Heavenly Father, I admit I have never taken time to understand this Scripture. I would have thought living and walking by the Spirit was similar. Thank You for giving me fresh insight, I want to live a life surrendered to You not just modified for You. Help me to die to my flesh and allow You complete access and control of my life. In Jesus name. Amen.