The Salvation Army Singapore, Malaysia & Myanmar
First Published: SMM WAR CRY JANUARY, 2020
IN STEP WITH THE SPIRIT
Over my life, I have had the opportunity to participate in, as well as watch, many marches or parades.
Many years ago I even had the opportunity to attend the Edinburgh Military Tattoo.
The synchronised marching and close order drill and precision were incredible to watch.
When I think of my own participation in marches, either playing a brass instrument or marching with Cadets and Officers for many different occasions, I now wonder was I truly in step all the time? Of course, the answer is no! I would get distracted with music, with people on the sidelines, with what was happening in front of me and also the condition of the road surface on which I was marching. When I realised I was out of step I needed to skip a little to get back into timing with everyone else.
This may be an experience that you have had but I guess for many maybe not!
As a child I remember vividly walking with a spring in my step when going to the park to play but on the return home, finding it very difficult to drag myself away from playtime to possible homework, house duties etc.
The Biblical theme for our Territorial Strategic Mission Plan 2020 – 2025 is “IN STEP WITH THE SPIRIT”
So what does that mean, you might ask? The Apostle Paul’s letter to the Galatian church, chapter five and verse twenty-five says this;
25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.
Here we follow on from the teaching of the Fruit of the Spirit Galatians 5:22-23.
We are called not only to live by the Spirit of God but to keep in step with Him!
How is this possible, you may ask? Firstly we are required to accept Jesus Christ as our Saviour and Lord and then ask the Holy Spirit to fill our lives, guiding and directing us in all things!
This is not just a one off experience but rather a natural, effortless experience just like breathing and eating.
In every area to which we find service and ministry across our Territory it is our prayer that God, by His Spirit would guide us where and to what He requires us!
We may not look the same as the next Corps or Centre down the road but when we are In Step with the Spirit we will see similarities of men and women, boys and girls accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour, the hungry fed, the broken healed, the dysfunctional order, the hopeless receive hope, and growth for the Kingdom of God will be achieved.
May the Lord help us not to be dragging our feet and getting out of step with His Spirit but rather always moving to the beat of His heart!
Left right, left right, left right, left right! Step it out!