A Scriptural reading from the Liturgy of the Hours has excellent guidance on how to live according to the Holy Spirit. It identifies those attitudes and behaviors in accord with life in the Spirit and those opposed to living in the Spirit. The fuller version from Paul’s Letter to the Galatians is here:

Galatians 5:16-26

I say, then: live by the Spirit and you will certainly not gratify the desire of the flesh.

For the flesh has desires against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; these are opposed to each other, so that you may not do what you want.

But if you are guided by the Spirit, you are not under the law.

Now the works of the flesh are obvious: immorality, impurity, licentiousness, idolatry, sorcery, hatreds, rivalry, jealousy, outbursts of fury, acts of selfishness, dissensions, factions, occasions of envy, drinking bouts, orgies, and the like.

I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

In contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.

Now those who belong to Christ (Jesus) have crucified their flesh with its passions and desires.

If we live in the Spirit, let us also follow the Spirit.

Let us not be conceited, provoking one another, envious of one another.

Take a look at the “works of the flesh”. Aside from a direct reference to “drinking bouts”, do any of those sound familiar?

Now take a look at the “fruit of the Spirit”. Most, if not all of those are usually identified with clean and sober living. People who are long-time 12-Step members usually show these traits and are sought after by new members because they have what others want. Genuine Christians of whatever stripe definitely possess these character traits.

Pretty simple and straightforward, and there all written out by a writer inspired by God.

Now, go out there and do not be conceited, provocative and envious of anyone!

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