Good morning, everyone!
Today I read Galatians 4-6.
In today's reading, Paul talks about the differences between the desires of the flesh and the desires of the Spirit.
Galatians 5:16-24 - But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law. Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outburst of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
Does that sound difficult to you? I know I have done several of the things of the flesh, and I still struggle with a few of them. And those who do them will not inherit the kingdom of God.
That sounds hopeless. And it is. Without Jesus. Jesus took our punishment on Himself, so that we could be with Him forever in heaven, and He will speak for us when we get to heaven.
So, we war. We struggle against the flesh. We pray, knowing that God hears us and will help us. We have to daily defeat the flesh and let the Spirit abound within us.
And it's not easy. Well, some days are easier than others, I should say. The flesh really wants to win. But so does the Spirit. And so it comes down to a choice. Day by day. Minute by minute.
And God is merciful, so if we fail, He is faithful to forgive us. But we still have to try to succeed.
As I said, I'm still struggling with some of these. In particular, I often struggle with jealousy and envy. And I have to daily allow the Holy Spirit to help me with my self-control.
What are you struggling with?
I hope you join me tomorrow when I read Ephesians 1-3.
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