Walk by the Spirit!
John Povey
September 27, 2024
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Galatians 5: 16-21 (NRSVA)
16 Live by the Spirit, I say, and do not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For what the flesh desires is opposed to the Spirit, and what the Spirit desires is opposed to the flesh; for these are opposed to each other, to prevent you from doing what you want. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not subject to the law. 19 Now the works of the flesh are obvious: fornication, impurity, licentiousness, 20 idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, anger, quarrels, dissensions, factions, 21 envy, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these. I am warning you, as I warned you before: those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
Conflict is a strong and dark word, representing the very worst that humankind is capable of doing to one another. We hear of conflict in war-torn zones, conflict in difficult workplace environments, conflict in divided families. It is no coincidence that Paul used the word ‘conflict’ to describe the tension between ‘the flesh' and ‘the Spirit’. Elsewhere, in the epistle to the Ephesians, Paul spoke of the need for spiritual armour as protection against evil.
The desires of our flesh are constantly at war with our desires to honour God. The desire to accumulate wealth merely out of selfish greed, against the desire to give generously to support those in need. The desire to seek attention for our own pleasure and power, against the desire to serve others first. Jesus himself, tempted in the desert, experienced conflict between flesh and spirit. But because he conquered, he is able to walk with us and help us through.
The drive and the desire to be more like Christ has to be greater than the drive to seek fulfilment in the things of this world.
The freedom won for us is not a blank cheque to behave in any way we want. Our freedom gives us the power to choose not to give in to harmful, destructive urges, but instead to take control of our lives and decide to walk by the Spirit. Then the love of Christ will be behind our actions, and the power of Christ will help us conquer our selfish desires. Fight the good fight with all your might!
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank you that you have given me the freedom to choose to walk by the Spirit and not gratify the desires of my flesh. As your Son conquered temptation in his wilderness journey, help me to listen to His voice, follow His good will, and be driven by his example of service. So may I walk daily in the light of his life and love. In Jesus’ Name, I pray. Amen.
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