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. Then, the Spirit of God moved in and encouraged us to entirely shift our mind-set.
Prior to Salvation, 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 were
used to living independently of any restraints or parameters for our behavior (Romans
8:7-8). We served our self and made sure we would come out on top (Romans
1:25; 2 Corinthians 5:15). We did good deeds for others, but we wanted the
praise.
Salvation 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 (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 human spirit, which was formerly dead in sin (Ephesians
2:5).
Now, our old nature is dead and we
are Born Again by God’s Spirit. Spiritually alive, we partake in the divine
nature of Christ (2 Peter 1:4; Galatians 2:20; Colossians 3:3-4). The nine
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.
Our former traits, alien to God’s
ways, still influence our thoughts, words and behavior. However, we can crucify
these 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). We restrict the deeds of our flesh by renewing our
mind and surrendering our life to Christ (Romans 12:2; Mark 10:28-29).
Prayer:
Father
God, by Your saving faith, a gift to us from Your mercy and love, we receive
Your Holy Spirit who 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). Teach us to walk in Your
Spirit every moment of our life (Galatians 5:16-25).
Thought for the Day:
Each day we walk in more victory
over the flesh by dwelling in the Spirit and following God’s desires for our
life. - Galatians 5:16-26
