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 leads us through the narrow and difficult gate of discipleship.

 

None of us can please God, even by our most sincere efforts. There are contradictions and complications in our souls that only the Spirit can overcome. The principle of sin is a reality we were born with, and it will remain with us while we are on this earth. However, the New Covenant is the supreme reality under which we now live because we are born again and baptized in the Holy Spirit. Our victorious lives are not lived apart from our weaknesses and struggles, but in their midst. The freedom Christ gives us works in the thick of life's battles, and we rise out of bondage and sin to sit with Him in the heavenly places.

 

That is what it means to be more than conquerors in Christ Jesus. We win battles we could never win without Him, and the He leads us into abundance and life; not by the law into condemnation, but by grace into the glorious liberty that is ours in Him. May we come to articulate and appreciate these things more as the Day approaches.

Let’s Pray – Dear God, may I wake up every day with a readiness and willingness to fight the good fight of faith. I will put on the whole armor of God, which is Christ, and I will be victorious in Him. To God be the glory! Amen.