Have we ever felt invisible at home, work, or even in church? We do good, serve, and show up with excellence, yet somehow, we remain overlooked. Others get celebrated, promoted, or acknowledged, while we stay in the background. These experiences can stir up envy, resentment, and bitterness in ways that blind us to the truth. But Scripture teaches us that it is possible to be busy with good works and still miss God. Why? Because if His Spirit does not lead us, we are walking in the flesh. And when we walk in the flesh, our works may impress people, but they do not carry eternal weight before God. As Paul reminds us: “Those who are in the flesh cannot please God” (Romans 8:8 NKJV)
When we rely on our own strength, the results may seem impressive externally, but spiritually, we are invisible. The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. (Romans 8:6 NIV).
The Fruit of the Spirit: Evidence of Walking with God
So how can we tell if we are walking in the Spirit or in the flesh? Jesus gave us the answer: “You will know them by their fruits” (Matthew 7:16 NKJV). Paul echoes this in Galatians 5:22-23, where he lists the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
Notice that Paul says fruit, not fruits, because this is a complete package. If any part is missing, we are not fully walking in the Spirit. This isn’t to suggest we won’t stumble or struggle. None of us walks perfectly; only Jesus is perfect. But it does mean that, through Jesus Christ, the Spirit produces this fruit in us over time as we yield to Him.
And here is the good news: Jesus fills the gaps with His righteousness. When we fall short, His Spirit carries us. Without Him, we cannot bear lasting fruit.
Walking in the Flesh: Led by Gifts or Skills
Romans 11:29 says, “For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.” God has given each of us unique talents. Often, we use them without realizing because they come so naturally. For example, I wrote for years in journals, reports, all sorts of scientific documents, and articles without ever considering myself a writer. I believed my identity and worth depended only on being a scientist. Many of us do this, defining ourselves by our careers, achievements, or academics. But gifts or skills alone do not define our true calling.
When we depend on our skills or education instead of the Spirit, we risk walking in the flesh. Even good things, like career success, can be misaligned if they are not Spirit-led. Jesus never told us to judge people by their gifts or degrees. He said, “By their fruit you will know them” (Matthew 7:20). The fruit of the Spirit, not the strength of our résumé or how many people we know or how many likes we get, is the true evidence of a Spirit-led life.
Walking in the Flesh: Doing Good by Our Strength
Another trap is mistaking good deeds for Spirit-led kindness. Volunteering, helping family, and serving in church may seem right in the eyes of others, but they can still be works of the flesh if not led by God. Doing good is not the same as walking in kindness.
For example, giving someone bread could be an act of goodness. But teaching them how to bake their own bread with God-given gifts is an act of kindness. Kindness flows from Spirit-empowered gifts, while goodness alone might be just an external effort. Both are important, but only Spirit-led actions can truly transform lives for eternity.
This is why comparison, envy, or jealousy have no place in God’s kingdom. Our calling will not resemble someone else’s. God endowed us with unique gifts for His purposes, and our work or ministry will differ from others.
What Are We Seeking?
Jesus said, “Seek and you will find” (Matthew 7:7 NIV). But what are we truly seeking? Many chase after wealth, status, recognition, or entertainment more than they seek God. Yet Jesus commands: “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” (Matthew 6:33 NIV).
When we seek God first, He reveals our gifts, aligns our desires, and positions us to walk in the Spirit. Every person is born with a God-given solution to a problem in this world. Discovering that solution and living in it is part of our kingdom purpose. That is when gifts become more than talents; they become Spirit-led tools to advance God’s will.
The Battle of the Mind: Walking in the Spirit vs the Flesh
Much of this struggle between flesh and Spirit occurs in the mind. Paul reminds us: “For the mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace” (Romans 8:6 NKJV)). Our thoughts influence our actions, so winning the mental battle is essential to walking in the Spirit.
When we walk in the Spirit, we learn to condemn lies, comparisons, and doubts that the enemy uses to distract us (2 Corinthians 10:5). Instead, we align our thoughts with the truth: “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2). The Spirit empowers us to resist the flesh and live in freedom.
Trials, Values, and the Spirit’s Power
Walking in the Spirit doesn’t mean we avoid trials. ‘’Jesus warned us that the rain falls on both the righteous and the unrighteous’’ (Matthew 5:45). What distinguishes us is how we respond when storms come. Do we hold onto the Spirit, or do we turn inward for self-preservation? Jesus said: “Whoever loses their life for my sake will find it” (Matthew 16:25).
Core values are spiritual. Without God, even people who live by “good” values fall short. We cannot live in true righteousness apart from Him. But when we yield to the Spirit, even our values align with kingdom purposes. And when parents walk in the Spirit, they leave a spiritual inheritance for their children: “A good person leaves an inheritance for their children’s children” (Proverbs 13:22).
Walking in the Spirit: The Way to Life
Ultimately, walking in the Spirit is not about striving but about surrendering. We cannot produce fruit through our own strength. The Spirit nurtures it within us as we abide in Christ: “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5).
The question is not just whether we are doing good, but whether our good works are Spirit-led. True life is found not in the flesh, but in the Spirit. And when we choose the Spirit, we win the invisible battles, bear eternal fruit, and walk in the freedom of Christ.
Reflection:
- Am I walking in the Spirit, or am I being guided by my flesh?
- Do my actions show the fruit of the Spirit?
- What am I truly searching for in this season: God’s kingdom or my own desires?
Let us pray each day for the Spirit to guide us, renew our minds, and produce lasting fruit in our lives.
With grace and growth,
Sanchia and team.
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