Spirit Verses Flesh
The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.
Romans 8:6
The battle we all face is what governs our mind. The Lord wants us to be governed by the Spirit, even when we caring for our flesh. Our thoughts, words, and actions should always be governed by the Spirit.
The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. (Romans 8:7) If our minds are continually governed by our fleshly desires, then God is not pleased. Our minds and our Spirits work together, our minds are renewed to the mind of Christ, and through Spirit we are guided by Christ, so Christ’s guidance and our mind work together.
The problem occurs when our flesh has a sinful desire and we forget about the Spirit. The Spirit is from God and through the Spirit we control the flesh. For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. (Romans 8:14) We are created in the image of God and being led by the Spirit will be natural for us. It shows that we depend on the Lord and his guidance in everything we experience in life. What a great blessing we have that God is willing to be with us and guide us through life!
Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led around by the Spirit in the wilderness. (Luke 4:1) Jesus was led by the Father at all times, and we are to be led by Christ through the Spirit at all times. Jesus was perfect and we cannot be perfect in this earthly life, but we never us the excuse that we can never be perfect for a reason not strive to be perfect. In our hearts we desire to be perfect, but in our flesh we fall short.
Jesus was flogged and crucified to kill his flesh, but Jesus was living in the Spirit; and we strive to live in the Spirit, no matter what is happening to us in this world. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. (Philippians 4:12) Paul was content at all times because he was living in the Spirit with the blessings of God. The blessing from God feeds our spirit with love peace, joy, contentment, and whatever God knows we need, and these blessing never go away, in fact they stronger the closer we are Christ.
Today be guided by the Spirit and not by the flesh, because Satan tempts our emotions.
Prayer: Father, help me to always be guided by the Spirit. In Jesus name, Amen