So, I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want.
What is true spirituality? Many people think that spirituality means perfection. They believe that if you have any sinful thoughts or desires, you cannot be spiritual – and you certainly must not be saved. But Paul’s message to us in Galatians 5:16-17 is that this is a battle for everyone, and one that he struggled with daily.
The flesh desires what is contrary to the spirit and the spirit what is contrary to the flesh-We are flesh through and through and our flesh often gets in the way of our relationship with God. We are weak in the flesh, but His strength meets us in our weakness and through His spirit, our flesh can be conquered. The flesh is always there, pushing against the spirit, and trying to get us off track. Christians are not people who have no sinful desires. Christians are human people who are in a battle everyday with our flesh, but victorious in His spirit.
True spirituality is not the absence of struggle. True spirituality isstruggle. Struggle with sin is not a sign that you are not spiritual. It is a sign that you are alive and that your conscience is working. It is a sign that you care about your relationship with God and it is the gentle reminder from the Holy Spirit that you need Him. The absence of struggle is real cause for concern. If your flesh is ruling your heart and mind and actions, and you have no problem with it, the flesh is in control and not the spirit.
When we are walking in the Spirit, being led by the Spirit, the desires will still be there, but we will not gratify the desires of our flesh – because we are walking in the spirit. God’s leading and direction will line up with His word. God’s leading and direction take us right to true spirituality and life. The flesh leads to death. Today you may be struggling with some desires that you know are wrong and think that the promises of God are not for you because you struggle. Remember Paul’s words and have faith in God’s power.
Scripture to Claim:
Because of the Lord’s great love, we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning. Lamentations 3:22-23
