“I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.” Galatians 5:16
A raging battle exists within every believer: our own sinful nature versus the desires of the Holy Spirit. Who will win?
In Galatians 5, Paul warns us that without a fight, we will do what comes naturally – following our own heart’s sinful inclinations and ultimately submitting to the folly of our own desires and influence. By doing so, we will not only experience the natural outcomes of our choice that lead towards destructive behavior, but we will also lose our heavenly inheritance.
The great news is that as followers of Jesus, we do not have to live life that way! We can live a life guided by the Holy Spirit. When the Holy Spirit directs and influences our decisions, our character will reflect love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
So, how do we allow the Holy Spirit to direct our lives and influence our decisions? Later in the passage, Paul says that those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature and its passions and desires, and he urges us that “Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.” (Galatians 5:24).
Submit to the Holy Spirit’s influence: Let him be your Master, set your pace, and be your life manager. Let him refine, correct, and discipline you. Live your life for him – under his influence, supervision and power.
Real freedom is letting the Lord win the battle for control of your life. Fight for freedom!
Father, I want to keep in step with your Holy Spirit, with you in charge of my life. Search my heart, correct me and bring me into alignment with your heart and will. Thank you that as Galatians 2:20 says “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” Amen.
By Donna Mitchell
Used by Permission
FURTHER READING
• Fight, Flight, Freeze …or Faith?
• Fight Like Jesus Fights – by Jon Walker
• 8 Verses to Remember that God is Fighting for You – by Laura Rath
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