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 this habit, day in and day out, living by our human reasoning
and working to please our self and to secure our future.
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 for our behavior (Romans 8:7-8). We serve our self and make
sure we come out on top (Romans 1:25; 2 Corinthians 5:15). We do good deeds for others, but we want the praise.
When
the Spirit of God moves in, He encourages is to shift our mind-set entirely.
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 existence in Him (Romans 8:13-14). Yet, our flesh wants to maintain the status
quo and control our own life.
The
tie-breaker is God’s Spirit, who rebirths our spirit, which was formerly dead
in sin (Ephesians
2:5). At
salvation, our old nature died and we were Born Again by God’s Spirit (Colossians 3:3). Spiritually alive, we now
partake in the divine nature of Christ (2 Peter 1:4). The fruit of the Spirit replaces our formal carnal
character (Galatians
5:22-23). We no
longer live apart from Christ, but in dependence on God’s love and will.
Some
of our former traits, alien to God’s ways, still influence our thoughts, words
and behavior. However, we can crucify our independent and willful tendencies on
a daily basis (Matthew
16:24-26), and
obey the will of God instead. Each day, no longer apart from Christ, we walk in
more victory over the flesh by dwelling in the Spirit and following God’s
desires for our life (Ephesians 2:10; Galatians 5:16-26).
Prayer:
Father
God, by Your saving faith, a gift to us from Your mercy and love, we willingly
submit our old fleshly habits to the work of Your Spirit within us (Romans 8:12-13). He influences and transforms
us. He draws us to Your heart and renovates every aspect of our life. This free
gift is priceless and we thank You for the sacrifice Jesus paid for our eternal
life (Ephesians
2:8).
Thought
for the Day:
The
Holy Spirit exchanges the deeds of our flesh by renewing our mind as we
surrender our life to Christ. - Romans 12:2; Mark 10:28-29
