But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. – Galatians 5:16-17 (ESV)
One sunny afternoon, a pastor went golfing with a few friends from his former church. The day had been going well – his swings were smooth, and his score was promising. Could this be the day he might finally shoot that coveted round in the 70’s???
On one particular hole, he stepped up to the tee, took a deep breath, and swung the club. The ball soared through the air but veered off course, eventually landing a mere three inches beyond the out-of-bounds marker. His friend, walking alongside him, chuckled and said, “Pastor! Don’t give yourself a penalty for that – it’s just out of bound by three inches! Move the ball this way a little, and no one will ever know the difference!”
The pastor paused, staring at the ball. He had a good round going, and this penalty would undoubtedly tarnish it. Temptation tugged at him for a moment. But then, with a heavy sigh, he shook his head and replied, “Nah. Whether it’s three inches or 30 yards, it’s technically out of bounds. I’m going to take the penalty.”
That small moment on the golf course mirrors the daily battles we face as believers. In Galatians 5:16-17, Paul writes, But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do.”
Life is full of these “three-inch” temptations; those subtle, seemingly insignificant moments where we’re tempted to step just beyond the line. It’s not a blatant sin, we tell ourselves; it’s just a little compromise. But the truth is, whether it’s three inches or 30 yards, stepping out of bounds is still stepping out of bounds.
Paul reminds us that the flesh and the Spirit are in constant tension, pulling us in opposite directions. The flesh whispers, “It’s not a big deal,” while the Spirit calls us to integrity, even in the smallest things. Walking by the Spirit isn’t just about avoiding the obvious pitfalls – it’s about treading carefully in every step, knowing that even the slightest deviation can lead us away from God’s best for us.
The pastor’s choice to take the penalty wasn’t just about a game – it was a reflection of his commitment to live honestly before God and others. Likewise, when we choose to walk by the Spirit, we’re choosing to honor God, even when no one else would know the difference. It’s in those quiet unseen moments that our faith is truly tested. It may be unseen by others, but it isn’t unseen by God!
So today, tread carefully. Let the Spirit guide your steps, no matter how small the decision may seem. The line between obedience and compromise might be as thin as three inches, but with God’s help, we can stay in-bounds and on the path He’s set before us.
Today’s Prayer: Lord, thank You for Your Spirit who guides me daily. Help me to walk carefully, resisting the pull of my flesh, even in the smallest choices. Give me the strength and the wisdom to choose Your way, trusting that You see every step I take. Amen.
Former Blackout Artist 