Paul encourages his fellow Christians to keep in step with the Spirit. As he moves into verse 26 and then into chapter 6 of Galatians he will show us how this will transform our relationships with one another. Paul shows the backbone of walking in the Spirit is how it transforms us not to become conceited, but it also stops us from the conceit that already occupies our hearts. The Greek word translated “conceit” literally means “vain-glorious: or “empty of honor”. Conceit is this deep insecurity that leaves us void of honor and glory, which then causes us to have to prove our worth and our value to everyone around us. It leads us into a comparison trap. That trap at times when I feel superior makes me feel great and puffs me up. At other times when I feel inferior, I become devastated. Conceit leads us to two different ways of relating to those around us. “Provoking” is the action of someone who is sure of his or her superiority. It causes that person to look down on someone for being perceived to be weaker in some area of life. “Envying” is the action of someone who understands their inferiority, and has to look up to someone they feel is above them. Both superiority and inferiority are a form of conceit. Both of those feelings cause you to become self-absorbed always wondering what everyone is thinking about you. This is the antithesis of what Paul has been teaching. His desire is to lead us away from performance-based love. The gospel frees us from conceit so we no longer have to be our own focus. We can be free to love others because we are concerned about how we can love and transform their lives. We no longer have to wonder how everyone around us will affect our lives. C.S. Lewis says it best when he says, “Humility is not thinking less of yourself: it is thinking of yourself less.” Beating yourself up and beating up others are both a rejection of the gospel.