Galatians 5:26 – No boasters

We may not become vainglorious, challenging one another, envying another.

Let no one think that the matter just discussed about the walk in the Spirit or the flesh is merely a theoretical matter. It is about the walk and about what would lead in it. Is that the law that puts “the flesh” to work? Or is that the Spirit that vivifies us and puts fruit in us? The difference between the two attitudes is huge!

Where man is put to work, doing good becomes an end in itself. One tries to do or avoid certain things and if this has (the appearance of) success, then this is experienced as an achievement. After all, one has made an effort. How different is the walk in the Spirit! In this, doing good is not an achievement but self-evident. Not our own work but the fruit of what the Spirit does in us.

Those who are led by the Spirit know that it is God who reshapes our thinking and thus inspires  (in spirit)  our behavior. Not only does that make you relaxed and happy, but en passant also takes away any motive to brag. Let alone to taunt or envy each other.

Delen: