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 did good deeds for others, but we wanted the praise.
We
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).
Developing
these habits, helped us survive 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 made sure we came out on top (Romans 1:25; 2 Corinthians
5:15).
However,
when the Spirit of God comes into our life, He encourages us to entirely shift
our mind-set, and to allow Him to put to death the carnal deeds of our flesh,
so that we can live an abundant life now and throughout eternity (Romans
8:13-14).
This
sets up a dichotomy in our life, which causes a tug-of-war within our soul (Romans
7:14 - 8:12). Some of the former fleshly traits, alien to God's ways, want to
maintain the status quo and to continue to influence our thoughts, words and
behavior, 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 (Colossians 3:3). Then, God's
Spirit 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 former carnal character (Galatians 5:22-23). We
no longer live independently, but in dependence on God’s love and will,
developing new and healthier habits. Each day we walk in more and more freedom
as we gain victory over the flesh.
Prayer:
Father
God, teach us to abide in Your Spirit and to daily follow Your desires for our
life (Galatians 5:16-26). Remind us that we overcome the deeds of our flesh by
renewing our mind and surrendering our life to Christ who abides within us (Romans
12:2; Mark 10:28-29).
Thank
You for Your saving faith, which is a gift to us from Your mercy and love, and
comes from 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).
Thought
for the Day:
When
we totally surrender our life to Christ, we experience habit modification; as
we lay down our independent and willful tendencies on a daily basis, and obey
the will of God instead, we willingly submit our old fleshly habits to the work
of God’s Spirit within us.
-
Matthew 16:24-26; Romans 8:12-13
