January 12th, 2026
by Brandt Leich
by Brandt Leich
Day 9 – More Like Jesus: Walking in the Spirit
Scripture:
Galatians 5:24–25 (ESV)
Paul draws a clear contrast in Galatians 5 between walking according to the flesh and walking in the Spirit. One leads toward sin and corruption; the other produces the fruit of the Spirit. The difference comes down to submission, which voice we choose to follow.
Paul reminds us that those who belong to Jesus are called to crucify the flesh, to put to death the desires that pull us away from God and instead choose to live by the Spirit. When we do, something beautiful begins to grow in us: the character of Jesus.
What’s interesting is that Scripture speaks of the fruit of the Spirit as plural, not singular. The goal of the Holy Spirit’s work in us is not to produce one isolated trait, but a full basket of fruit. Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control, these qualities together reflect spiritual maturity.
Jesus is our example. In Him we see the full expression of what this fruit looks like in real life. Our goal as His followers is not to look more like ourselves, but to become more like Him.
Just this past week, when I dropped Mollie off at school, something that has been our practice with all of our girls, I prayed with her before she got out of the car. My prayer was simple:
“God, help Mollie display Jesus to everyone she sees today. May the people she interacts with walk away thinking, that’s what Jesus is like.”
That prayer isn’t meant to put pressure on her. It’s meant to remind her of who she is in Christ and what matters most. From a parent’s heart, this is how Staci and I have tried to approach discipling our girls, helping them see their value in Christ and encouraging them to take ownership of their faith through simple, everyday moments that produce real fruit.
Over the next several days, we’re going to slow down and look closely at each fruit Paul describes what it looks like, how it grows, and how we can cultivate it in our daily lives. Not so we can strive harder, but so we can walk more closely with the Spirit.
When we do, His character begins to form in us and we become more like Jesus.
Reflection
Which voice are you most often following right now—the flesh or the Spirit?
Prayer
Holy Spirit, help me crucify the desires that pull me away from You. Teach me to walk in step with You so that Your fruit would grow in my life and reflect the heart of Jesus. Amen.
Scripture:
Galatians 5:24–25 (ESV)
“And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.”
Paul draws a clear contrast in Galatians 5 between walking according to the flesh and walking in the Spirit. One leads toward sin and corruption; the other produces the fruit of the Spirit. The difference comes down to submission, which voice we choose to follow.
Paul reminds us that those who belong to Jesus are called to crucify the flesh, to put to death the desires that pull us away from God and instead choose to live by the Spirit. When we do, something beautiful begins to grow in us: the character of Jesus.
What’s interesting is that Scripture speaks of the fruit of the Spirit as plural, not singular. The goal of the Holy Spirit’s work in us is not to produce one isolated trait, but a full basket of fruit. Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control, these qualities together reflect spiritual maturity.
Jesus is our example. In Him we see the full expression of what this fruit looks like in real life. Our goal as His followers is not to look more like ourselves, but to become more like Him.
Just this past week, when I dropped Mollie off at school, something that has been our practice with all of our girls, I prayed with her before she got out of the car. My prayer was simple:
“God, help Mollie display Jesus to everyone she sees today. May the people she interacts with walk away thinking, that’s what Jesus is like.”
That prayer isn’t meant to put pressure on her. It’s meant to remind her of who she is in Christ and what matters most. From a parent’s heart, this is how Staci and I have tried to approach discipling our girls, helping them see their value in Christ and encouraging them to take ownership of their faith through simple, everyday moments that produce real fruit.
Over the next several days, we’re going to slow down and look closely at each fruit Paul describes what it looks like, how it grows, and how we can cultivate it in our daily lives. Not so we can strive harder, but so we can walk more closely with the Spirit.
When we do, His character begins to form in us and we become more like Jesus.
Reflection
Which voice are you most often following right now—the flesh or the Spirit?
Prayer
Holy Spirit, help me crucify the desires that pull me away from You. Teach me to walk in step with You so that Your fruit would grow in my life and reflect the heart of Jesus. Amen.
Posted in More Like Jesus - 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting (January 2025)
Posted in 21 Days of Prayer
Posted in 21 Days of Prayer
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