Prior
to coming to Christ, we determined our daily routine by our priorities. We
valued, worked toward and pursued anything that would assist us in reaching our
goals. We developed these habits, day in and day out, living by our human reasoning
and working to please our self and to secure our future. We focused on our
success and make sure we came out on top (Romans 1:25; 2 Corinthians 5:15).
Our
flesh formed habits as we trained our thoughts, attitudes, words and actions to
respond and react in certain ways to the challenges and trials of life. We are
used to living independently of any restraints or parameters on our behavior (Romans 8:7-8). We do good deeds for others,
but we want the praise. However, when the Spirit of God comes into our life, He
encourages us to entirely shift our mind-set.
This
sets up a dichotomy in our life, which causes a tug-of-war within our soul. God
wants us to put to death the carnal deeds of our flesh, so that we can live an
abundant spiritual life (Romans 8:13-14). Yet, our flesh wants to maintain the status quo, so that we can retain
control. The tie-breaker is God’s Spirit. He resurrects our spirit, which was
formerly dead in sin (Ephesians 2:5).
Our
spirit is Born Again and Spiritually alive (Colossians 3:3). Then, He crucifies our old nature with Christ, and
we partake in the divine nature of Christ (2 Peter 1:4). The fruit of the Spirit replace our formal carnal
character (Galatians
5:22-23). We no
longer live independently, but in dependence on God’s love and will. Yet, some
of the former traits, alien to God’s ways, still influence our thoughts, words
and behavior.
Gradually,
we experience a shift in our paradigm. As we lay down our independent and
willful tendencies on a daily basis (Matthew 16:24-26), and obey the will of God instead, we
willingly submit our old fleshly habits to the work of God’s Spirit within us (Romans 8:12-13). Each day we walk in more and
more victory over the flesh (Romans 7:14 - 8:12). We eventually abide in God’s Spirit and daily follow God’s desires for
our life (Galatians
5:16-26).
Prayer:
Father
God, Your saving faith, a gift to us from Your mercy and love, comes from Your
Holy Spirit and influences and transforms us. You draw us to Your heart and You
renovate every aspect of our life by Your Spirit. This free gift is priceless,
and we thank You for the sacrifice Jesus paid for our eternal life (Ephesians 2:8). We give You all of the
praise, honor and glory for what You accomplish in our life.
Thought
for the Day:
We
overcome the deeds of our flesh by renewing our mind and surrendering our life
to Christ. - Romans 12:2; Mark 10:28-29
