Practice Living in the Spirit

Step One - Being Good
In accord with the laws of God, we need to try and be good, live uprightly, and never take advantage of others. Jesus tells us that: “Whatever you wish that men would do to you, do so to them” (Matthew 7:12). The Catechism of the Catholic Church tells us that: “Human virtues . . . govern our actions, order our passions, and guide our conduct according to reason and faith. They make possible ease, self-mastery, and joy in leading a morally good life. The virtuous man is he who freely practices the good” (CCC, 1804).

Step Two - Learning To Walk in the Spirit
In chapter 16 of Mathew’s Gospel (and chapter 8 of Mark’s), we read of two moments when Peter tried to do the good and right thing. On one occasion, he was told — it is of God. On the next occasion, he was told — it is of Satan. In time, Peter learned to discern the difference between what is of God and what is not of God. How? Through prayer and through examination and reflection on his thoughts, actions, and decisions. We need to pray and try to stay as close as we can to God. We need to try and sense what God might be trying to say to us. This is why we need to watch our behavior. I am sure that Peter’s ability to discern and differentiate good from bad was closely linked to his own prayer relationship with God, the grace of the Spirit, and Peter’s efforts to reflect on the way he thinks and acts in light of the words and teachings of Jesus.

Step Three - Experimentation
Finally, we need to try and seek the messages of the Spirit. The Spirit will speak to us — through sensing him in our hearts; through sensing him as we read the Scripture; through sensing him as we attend Mass, receive the Eucharist, and pray; through sensing him as we examine our lives and repent for any wrongdoing. God can and does speak to us — we just need to learn how to set our eyes on him, be open to his words, and be changed by them. We need to try and ask the Spirit to guide us.