THE CHRISTIAN'S BATTLE: Walking in the Spirit vs. Fulfilling Your Lusts

Still Straddling the Fence between the Spirit & the Flesh?
Guiding Principle Verse: Galatians 5:16-17

16"I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. 17For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these two are contrary to one another."

The Case: Saved at age six, attending church regularly, touring with a gospel choir...and still straddling the fence between the Spirit and the flesh. In the beginning, I was good obeying the obvious like don't murder, don't steal, and don’t take God's name in vain. But as I matured, I found I was creating chaos and challenges for myself by disobeying so many other of God's commands and statutes. Then I realized some teachings were tough ONLY because I insisted on trying to live life both ways. Once I decided to embrace a Spirit-led life so many struggles evaporated!

The Lesson: Walking in the Spirit required a full-on total character and lifestyle makeover. As no woman can be "kinda pregnant", I could no longer kinda obey. I gave God my entire life - spiritual, financial, relational, social, vocational, emotional, and physical. I began to live by Proverbs 3:5-6:

"Trust in the LORD with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding;
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct your paths."

The Victory: As a result of my spiritual makeover, I gained some tangible
benefits including:

-Increased love, peace, and joy in my life
-Healthier financial outlook
-Better communication between me and others
-Clearer purpose and decision-making
-More margin in my life (financial, emotional)

Ready for good success? Ready to be victorious? Here's the challenge:

Examine your motives for all you think, speak, and do. Are you being driven by the lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes, or the pride of life?

If you continue to ask yourself "Why" you will soon discover when you are walking in the Spirit versus when you are fulfilling a work of your flesh. Never shall the two ever meet for the Spirit and the flesh are absolutely opposed to one another. Albeit painful, this is one the greatest lessons God ever taught me!

Now, grace to you!