Flesh vs. Spirit
For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. (Galatians 5:17-18) I wish I could tell you that spiritual things get easier as you age, but that is not true. The closer and longer we walk with Christ, the hotter the battles we face — and it is quite the battle for those living godly lives. Life is not hard for Christians who are taken up with the wonders of salvation and all its benefits. They never truly show up for Christian duty, and they never engage the rigors of a growing relationship with a holy God. The sufferings of Christ remain a mystery to them because they follow Jesus at a distance, and they would rather enjoy an unruffled life of blessings and favor. Yet, the Lord would have His sons and daughters gladly engage the rough and tumble of spiritual growth and vitality, and He lea...