What Does It Mean to Be Led By the Spirit?

The Lord is my Shepherd…..He leads me (Psalm 23:1-2)

Being led implies following the will of another. To be led by the Spirit is to follow the guidance of the Spirit. It is to be submissive to His will, making His desires our life goals. He is the Shepherd; we are the sheep.

Walking in the Spirit defeats sin:-
I say then: walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. (Galatians 5:16)

Walking in the Spirit avoids bondage to the law.
But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. (Galatians 5:18)

The only proper path for a Christian is the one Lord Jesus modelled - following God in a personal relationship through the Spirit.

Whenever the cloud lifted from above the tent, the Israelites set out; wherever the cloud settled, the Israelites encamped. At the Lord’s command, the Israelites set out, and at his command, they encamped. As long as the cloud stayed over the tabernacle, they remained in camp. When the cloud remained over the tabernacle a long time, the Israelites obeyed the Lord’s order and did not set out. (Numbers 9:17-19)

The movement of the Israelites was completely led by the Spirit of God. This was the Old Testament Church in the wilderness and it was totally led by the Spirit. How much more, we the New Testament Church.

And sometimes the cloud remained [over the tabernacle] from evening only until morning, but when the cloud was taken up, they journeyed; whether it was taken up by day or by night, they journeyed. (Numbers 9:21)

Notice, sometimes the cloud of God’s presence stayed only from evening until morning. This must have been really uncomfortable with women and little children being involved. Led by the Spirit is not always comfortable. It will bring you out of your comfort zone into depending on Him completely. It will kill your desires and ultimately cause you to surrender to His will.

As many as are led by the Spirit of God; they are the sons of God (Romans 8:14)

The Holy Spirit in a person’s life is to guide him into the plans and purposes of God. Being led by the Spirit transforms us; we then begin to carry the nature and character of God, the very DNA of God. It makes us the sons of God.

Father, I ask You for a deeper revelation of Your person and ways.

Father, I ask for a closer relationship with the Holy Spirit.

Father, I ask You for a greater understanding of the mind of God and the operations of the Holy Spirit.

Father, lead me every day by Your Spirit. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.