Romans 8: The Little Garmin in Your Soul

My husband was an over-the-road truck driver for many years.  When he was driving to so many strange places, he became very dependent on his Garmin--the GPS device that gave him driving directions and traffic information.  He so needed this vital tool that he purchased several back up units to have in case the one he was using broke down.  Now that he is not driving over-the-road, I have inherited one of his units and I am learning to use it to get me around to unfamiliar places.

To use the Garmin device, you first attach it to the windshield of the car where it can be seen.  Then when you turn it on, you can input a location by address or description, tap "Go" and it speaks out turn by turn directions while showing your route on a road map.  It's rather ingenious because no matter where you are or where you are wanting to go, it can give you directions to get there.

Another interesting feature is if you decide for some reason to ignore the suggested route, the Garmin will say, "Recalculating" and find a way to your destination using the alternate turn you made.  This is handy when you miss a turn or find a detour in the road.

Romans 8 describes a function of the Holy Spirit that is much like the Garmin in my car.  The key words in the passage that outline this work of the Holy Spirit are the words,"Walk",  or "Led by".

 Ro 8:1 ¶ There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
 Ro 8:4 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
That word for "Walk" means "to tread all around, walk at large, live, deport oneself, follow, go and be occupied with."  It sounds like a word that means to travel with the Holy Spirit.   In these verses, if we travel in harmony with the inner commands of the Holy Spirit, we will not be condemned (lost) but the righteousness of God's law will be fulfilled in us--we will make it to our destination.

Following that inner witness is what keeps us on track.  When we miss it, and go against that inner witness, the Holy Spirit immediately seeks to guide us back to His destination.  He will "recalculate" us, nudging us over and over till we take the turn towards obedience.  We live by His touch in our lives to get to our destination.--Holiness and the Presence of God.