The cheerleaders lined up across the gym floor and took their positions. As they waited to begin, my mothering eyes could tell that some of them were apprehensive about the new dance routine they'd just learned. Would they remember the steps? There was no time left to wonder. The music started and as one they began to move.
Life is a dance but the style of dance is ours to choose. We take an earthly approach when we choose—like dancers in a nightclub—to do our own thing. Some go all out moving to the beat with every part of their body, while others simply sway in place. Each dancer is different because they each move in whatever way feels good to them. As a result, it is difficult to tell if anyone is out of step.
But on the cheer squad’s half time dance it is clearly obvious when someone is out of step. There is no way to hide imperfections and inconsistencies when working to move as one.
So it is in the Christian determined to move in step with the Spirit. In that dance, it is easier to recognize areas of sin, for life in step with the Holy Spirit is evident in the fruit within us and our lives—love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, gentleness, kindness, self-control, faithfulness, and patience. Where any of these are lacking, there is sin. We are out of step with Him and back in step with the world which follows the desires of self—and seeks to justify the antithesis of His fruit.
When I was in high school, I once danced with my friend’s eighty year old grandfather. I worried about trying to follow him in a dance I didn’t know. Imagine my surprise when he took me in his arms and led me effortlessly around the floor. He was an incredible dancer and never did I think about what to do. In his hands I was secure as we twirled and moved fluidly, in and out of the other dancers, with skill and finesse.
When we actively seek God, our gifted dance partner is the Holy Spirit. When we let Him lead, He smoothly guides us around the dance floor of life, directing us around barriers and keeping us safe from falls. It is when we take the lead, we falter out of step.
Message for the Journey:
Each of us is a dancer on the dance floor of life. We can choose to move in whatever way feels good to us or we can accept the offer to have the Holy Spirit as our dance partner. When we follow His lead we remain in step with God’s purpose for our lives moving beautifully along the promenade.
Happy Dancing!
©AnnWilds2012
Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.
Gal 5:25
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