As the youngest of four children, I know a lot about catching up. My sisters, Gail and Jackie, and my brother Michael, are at least four years my elder. I constantly reached for hands much larger than my own.  My feet often scampered in pursuit of my siblings’ longer strides.

But as I grew, it was easier to walk with my siblings side by side. I didn’t realize the skills I learned as a child would provide insight to my faith as an adult. Here’s what I mean.

“If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.” (Galatians 5:25 ESV)

The call to align myself with the Spirit is essential to my spiritual growth.  But there are days when my growth is stunted by what I wish was different. 

The Spirit says, “Wait. A better time will come.”  I say, “Now is a good time for better.”

He says, “Forgive as you’ve been forgiven.”  I say, “But they haven’t apologized yet.”

He says, “Present yourself as a living sacrifice.”  I say, “You mean there’s more to sacrifice?”

To be clear, Jesus loves us just as we are. But if we love Him, we’ll follow where He leads. The desires of His heart begin to beat in our hearts too.

Many motives may drive the rhythm of our lives. But if we live by the Spirit of Christ, here are a few reasons why His pace is perfect.

Keeping in step with the Spirit empowers me to live in the light of who Jesus is.

Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12 ESV)j

Amid the murky issues of this world, Christ Himself is the light. His glorious beams radiate with His redemption. Just when we feel like life is too difficult or the future looks dim, His truth illuminates our path and reassures us with His promises.

Keeping in step with the Spirit delivers me from the lure of distractions.

“…let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith.” (Hebrews 12:1-2 ESV)

If worry and temptation begin to distract me, I can rely on Christ’s power and wisdom to guide me. Yet, endurance flows from my focus. If my eyes are on Jesus, I know the race that is set before me, is a race He’s already won.

Keeping in step with the Spirit shows me His grace makes up for my lack.

In my growing up years, if my steps drifted or delayed, my siblings regained my attention by calling my name. They often moved toward me, long before I moved in their direction. Similarly, if we’re in doubt or disobedience, grace reaches out to us. The Spirit calls us by name.

However, grace doesn’t excuse me from owning my sins and failures; it provides a divine dose of what I need to grow despite my sin and failures.

Repentance allows me to turn to Christ and turn away from my sin. (see 2 Corinthians 7:10)

Reading the Scriptures gives me a fresh look at how His truth sets me free. (see John 8:32)

Remembering grace is unearned, reminds me there’s a gift of divine wind at my back. The Spirit is also our Helper. He prompts us to move at His pace and flourish in places as He leads. (see John 15:26)

Do you need to catch up to Jesus?

When I seek to set my own pace and live by my own agenda, the Spirit’s steps hold little appeal. But if I want to live in God’s purpose and commit to His glory, I welcome His Spirit’s hold on me.

Unlike my physical growth next to my siblings, spiritual growth happens our entire lives. As I grow, I walk by faith and not by sight. I obey Christ’s teachings and His peace surpasses my understanding. Then I realize my goal is not just catching up to Jesus; it’s learning how to abide in Him daily.