“Walk in the Spirit”
By Dianne Prince
“So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law” (Galatians 5:16-18, NIV).
God created each of us with free will—the ability to choose, to act without restraint, and to operate at our own discretion. Free will allows us to do whatever we want.
God gives us choices, and His desire is that we choose in alignment with His will. However, He is a perfect gentleman and will not force us to do anything. His heart’s desire is for us to obey Him, but He leaves the decision to us. That’s why two children raised in the same home, taught the same Christian values, can take vastly different moral paths.
Today’s scripture reminds us that there is a constant war between our flesh and our spirit. When we want to make the right choice, the flesh says, “no way.”
When our spirit says, “hold your peace,” our mind says, “speak up and defend yourself.”
When our spirit says, “walk by faith,” our mind says, “walk by sight.”
When our spirit says, “Jesus will fix it,” our mind says, “I can handle this myself.”
There is always a spiritual war within us. The flesh and spirit are constantly at odds. The battlefield is not physical; it’s in our minds.
The only way to keep our flesh under control is to keep our spirit wholesome, healthy, and full of God’s Word. Otherwise, our flesh will lead us down a path of unpleasant consequences. Yes, we can live however we choose, but God holds us accountable for our choices, and He determines the consequences.
Paul instructs us to “let the Holy Spirit guide our lives. Then we won’t be doing what our sinful nature craves.” Empower your spirit to control your decisions today. Spiritual empowerment comes from keeping company with God, talking to Him throughout the day, and depending on the Holy Spirit to lead you. Keeping company with God is powerful, effective, and guarantees victory 100% of the time.
Today, be conscious of the continuous war in your mind. Stay alert, stay active, stay in God’s presence, and be ready for battle.
