We’ve all heard the saying, “walk the talk”. It means that talk is cheap unless it’s backed up by actions. Paul said of himself, “Let such a person consider this, that what we are in word by letters when absent, such persons we are also in deed when present.” (2 Cor 10:11)

If you are on social media, you’ve definitely either been involved or seen the evidence of keyboard warriors who light into each other from behind their computer screen. Do you wonder if those people would be quite as bold in their vehemence if they were face-to-face? Have you ever participated in making a comment just to get a rise out of someone, just to tick them off? That’s strife, anger, dissension, disputes for the sheer fun or to drive divisiveness (factions). What lies at the root of these behaviors? Pride!

We are to walk by the Spirit because when we accepted Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, we died to our fleshly nature. “But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please.” (Gal 5:16-17) 

When we look at the list of deeds of the flesh vs. the fruit of the Spirit, it’s pretty easy to tell if we are walking the talk when we declare to be followers of Christ. “Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealously, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.” (Gal 5:19-21).

When we died to self, the Spirit of the Lord came to dwell within us to guide us to live as God would have us. When we let Him be more and ourselves (fleshly nature) less, the fruit seen in our walk will match our talk. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. Let us not become boastful, challenging one another, envying one another.” (Gal 5:22-26)

I don’t know about you, but I truly needed to meditate on these Scripture passages this week, which is why the Holy Spirit sent me to this text. The only way to truly live for Jesus and allow His Spirit to work through us, is to daily empty ourselves of our pride, repent of the deeds of the flesh, and ask the Spirit to fill us to overflowing. All the kingdoms built, all the trophies won will crumble into dust when it’s said and done. ‘Cause all that really matters is did I live the truth to the ones I love? Was my life the proof that there is only One whose name will last forever? I don’t want to leave a legacy; I don’t care if they remember me — Only Jesus. I’ve only got one life to live; I’ll let every second point to Him — Only Jesus. Lord, please prompt me immediately when I forget today that You must become more, and I must become less. In the precious name of Jesus, amen.