Colors are different, shapes are different, and people are different.
And, the flesh and the Spirit are very different. Most of us have learned how to process life through the flesh or human emotion. This is what comes natural to us.
When we come to Christ, something supernatural happens…we receive the gift of His Holy Spirit dwelling within us. Now we have two options for how to live. We can continue living in the human flesh/natural bent….OR….we can learn to live in the Spirit’s Life within us.
The Bible calls one Living in the Flesh and the other Living in the Spirit.
Christ died for our freedom, and part of that freedom is being freed from SELF, so that we might live in Him. But, change takes some thought, intention and yes even planning. Just because it’s the Spirit’s Life within us, does not mean it’s going to be an easy ride. The hard part is us learning to STOP and be intentional about turning our direction around whenever we get to choose between the two.
Today’s Truth: Galatians 5:16-20,22
So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so tht you do not do what you want. But, if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.
The acts of the sinful nature are obvious:ssexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry adn withchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
Unpacking the Truth
As you can see there is a distinct difference between the two ways to live. And, also it is obvious that God desires for us to Live in the Spirit. This is the freedom that he purchased for us on the cross.
Can you see how it will take some intentional thought? It will take caring to notice when gravitating towards a flesh response. It will take stopping before the choice has been completely conceived and giving the temptation to do what has always been natural over to God. But, the choice and the intention is worth it.
We all want life change. In Christ that change has already been purchased for us, we just need to learn how to Live Up in the freedom that is already ours.
This week we will continue to look at the two very distinct ways to live, as we continue on our journey of learning to Walk in the Spirit.
Today’s Prayer
Father, I can see clearly how there are two paths. And, I can see how often I just don’t want to be bothered with learning a new way. Even though my way often fails me and makes me miseralbe, it is on auto-pilot and I can get real lazy…and just want auto-pilot. Change me Jesus. Bring me to attention that I might lean to be intentional in walking in the power and freedom you have planned for my new Born-Again life.
ooh! This is a great one! Thanks!
Romans 8:12
We are not obligated to the flesh to live according to the flesh.
Praise Jesus that he has set us free from the “obligation” to the flesh and gives us the strength each day to do just as you wrote…. to live up!