I have brothers, and sons who spent time in the military. I also have had quite a few friends who are veterans of the military.  I’ve been to quite a few boot camp graduation ceremonies as a result.

At those graduations it is important that when a platoon, battalion or unit marches that they be in perfect step.  Being in step is a show of unity of purpose.

When we use the term “In Step.”  It is a way of indicating agreement with, and being on purpose with, a truth, a person, idea, or purpose.

Often it is not as much about what we say as it is what we do that determines whether or not we are “In Step.”

For instance:  Were you keenly aware that it is possible to believe in the gospel but yet be out of step with it?

One the great apostles of Jesus experienced this.  He had to be verbally challenged on it in front of everyone by another apostle of the gospel.

Galatians 2:11 Now when Peter had come to Antioch, I withstood him to his face, because he was to be blamed; 12 for before certain men came from James, he would eat with the Gentiles; but when they came, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing those who were of the circumcision. 13 And the rest of the Jews also played the hypocrite with him, so that even Barnabas was carried away with their hypocrisy.  14 But when I saw that they were not straightforward about the truth of the gospel, I said to Peter before them all, “If you, being a Jew, live in the manner of Gentiles and not as the Jews, why do you compel Gentiles to live as Jews? 15 We who are Jews by nature, and not sinners of the Gentiles, 16 knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law; for by the works of the law no flesh shall be justified.  17 “But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, is Christ therefore a minister of sin? Certainly not! 18 For if I build again those things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor. 19 For I through the law died to the law that I might live to God. 20 I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. 21 I do not set aside the grace of God; for if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died in vain.”

Peter’s behavior was not in step with the gospel.  It did not align with what the gospel decrees as being the way of righteousness and favor.  It was out of step with how the gospel decrees no respect of persons, but rather, faith bringing all to Christ and setting them on equal footing.

I want my behavior to always align with the truth of the gospel.  I do not want to be found allowing certain preferences or achievements to interfere with my ability to recognize the glory of another believer in Jesus who, according to faith in Christ, is just as righteous as I am.  I do not want to be found trying to tell them what they received was insufficient and lacking.  I do not want to be selective based on natural reasons such as race, gender, age, socio economic status, educational achievements, denominational affiliation, or any other reason.  I want to know others according to the Spirit as opposed to the flesh.

Peter was in error because he yielded to a preference according to the flesh.  Praise Jesus! Peter fixed it once he was made aware.  He humbled himself and received the adjustment needed.

I encourage you to make it your aim to always be found In Step With The Gospel and see others according to the Spirit, as opposed to the flesh.   I know that is my plan.