“Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.” Galatians 5:25 (NIV)
One of the things Janice and I like to do together is go to plays. Over the years, we’ve seen dozens, some more than once. While I enjoy most varieties, my favorite is musicals. I like the songs, but what really amazes me is the dancing–especially with a large cast. As a person without any sense of rhythm and no coordination, to see the steps of the choreography executed with precision blows my mind.
As audience members, we fail to see the actors' dedication and hours of practice to make that choreography flawless. They don’t get on stage on opening night and wing it. Behind the scenes are rehearsals, some without music, in which the performer works on each step and the flow to the next movement, with the choreographer correcting the missteps. Eventually, the dance is done with accompaniment and the full cast, practicing hour after hour until it’s the perfect performance we, as the audience, witness.
In the same way, learning to walk in step with the Holy Spirit takes practice. As our choreographer, the Spirit is always with us, but as dancers, we must learn to listen and correct our steps. Like dance, it requires dedication and practice. Upon our initial salvation, we will not likely be ready to show up for opening night unrehearsed. But in living by the Spirit, we learn to coordinate our steps with the Spirit.
When we view a performance, we likely see more than one dancer. The choreographer helps coordinate the steps of all the dancers. It is both an individual and communal activity, with each dancer placing their obedience and trust in the Spirit to direct and guide the beauty and perfection of the performance in unison. As dancers in the same production, we can support one another through prayer and encouragement–we practice the dance together.
No dancer is perfect from the first step. Mistakes and missteps are part of the learning process. But through God’s grace, these become opportunities to improve. God is a forgiving choreographer. We do not need to fear being booted from the cast; instead, he continues in His infinite patience to lovingly guide and correct us.
Just as choreography brings order and beauty to the dance, the Holy Spirit brings purpose and direction to our lives. To stay in step with the choreographer, we must trust the Spirit's guidance, even when the music of life changes tempo or the steps seem unfamiliar. As we learn to keep in step and follow the direction of the Spirit, our lives reflect God’s glory and grace. This is a daily activity with no days off and no dancing to another rhythm or different steps–but to consistently listen and practice what the Spirit guides.
Heavenly Father, thank You for sending the Holy Spirit to guide and direct our lives. Help us to trust You as our divine choreographer, leading us in the steps You've prepared for us. Teach us to live in harmony with others, united in Your love and purpose, and remind us that You are gracious when we stumble. May we honor You with every movement of our lives, bringing beauty and unity to the dance of faith. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Blessings,
Pastor Tim
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