Walking, Not Watching

Pastor Calvin Cook

August 17, 2026  – Day 27 of 40

Scripture: “Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.” — Galatians 5:16

Years ago, I was given a picture of three monkeys with the caption: “Three types of people: those who watch things happen, those who make things happen, and those who wonder what happened.”

That puts us in a very interesting space when we consider our walk with Jesus. In our walk with Jesus, there will be those who wonder what happened, those who watch what is happening, and those who make things happen.

Making things happen is important because walking with Jesus is not a spectator sport.

God did not call us to sit on the sidelines, observe the faith of others, and applaud their obedience. He calls each of us to follow Him—to walk, serve, love, forgive, pray, give, and obey. We are not merely meant to watch what God is doing; we are invited to participate in it.

However, there is an important distinction: making things happen does not mean rushing ahead of God or relying on our own strength. There is a difference between activity driven by the flesh and action directed by the Spirit. We can be busy and still be outside God’s will. We can work hard and still accomplish very little of eternal value.

Paul does not simply tell us to walk. He tells us to “walk in the Spirit.”

To walk in the Spirit is to live each day aware of God’s presence and responsive to His leading. It means allowing the Holy Spirit to shape our attitudes, direct our decisions, and govern our actions. It is taking the next step of obedience even when we cannot see the whole path.

I admit and confess my struggle in this area.

Walking requires movement. You cannot walk while remaining in the same place. In the same way, spiritual growth requires us to move beyond good intentions. It is not enough to know that we should forgive; we must forgive. It is not enough to feel compassion; we must reach out. It is not enough to recognize a need; we must be willing to respond when the Spirit prompts us.

Many people spend their lives waiting for a dramatic assignment from God while overlooking the opportunities He has placed directly in front of them. They might be  waiting for a platform, but God is asking them to serve one person. They are waiting for a great revelation, but God is asking them to obey the last instruction He gave. They are waiting to feel ready, but God is asking them to take the next step by faith.

The Christian life is lived one Spirit-led step at a time.

As we walk in the Spirit, something else happens: the desires of the flesh begin to lose their control over us. Paul does not say that we will never experience temptation. He says that when we actively walk in the Spirit, we will not fulfill the desires of the flesh. Victory is found not merely in trying harder to resist sin, but in staying close to Jesus and following the Spirit.

If we stand still spiritually, distractions and temptations will easily capture our attention. But when we are walking with purpose—praying, serving, worshipping, obeying, and loving—we leave less room for the flesh to lead us.

Perhaps you have been watching others make a difference and wondering when God will use you. Perhaps you have been standing on the sidelines because of fear, disappointment, or a sense of inadequacy. Remember, God is not looking for perfect people. He is looking for willing people—people who will listen to His voice and take the next step.

Do not merely watch what God is doing through someone else. Ask Him what He wants to do through you.

Today, choose walking over watching. When the Spirit tells you to speak, speak. When He tells you to be still, be still. When He prompts you to encourage someone, encourage them. When He calls you to serve, step forward. When He convicts you, repent. When He opens a door, walk through it.

You do not have to make everything happen. That is God’s responsibility. Your responsibility is to keep in step with His Spirit. As you walk with Him, He will accomplish His purposes through your obedience.

Walking with Jesus is not a spectator sport. Get off the sidelines, listen for the Spirit’s leading, and take the next step.