Wrestling With Ourselves

There is a battle going on inside of you, a wrestling match between the Spirit of God and the flesh. As Paul described it in Galatians 5:17: “For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please.” 

So how do we stay focused on the things of God and not get caught in the trappings of the flesh? Paul wrote in the preceding verse: “But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh (5:16).”

It’s important to center yourself on God each day so that you can orient your mind to the leading of the Spirit. A focused time of prayer at the beginning of the day helps you connect with God and His purposes so you can do what He desires, and avoid the desires of the flesh. It is being intentionally focused on controlling your thoughts and desires, relying on God’s strength to guide you.

Controlling your thought life is critical. James pointed this out:

“But each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death (James 1:14-15, NIV).”

Paul has a long list of what he calls “deeds of the flesh” in Galatians 5:19-21 (NASB). If you read the list, you can see how sinful behavior can start with a thought, a desire. King David fell prey to this as described in 2 Samuel 11:2: “from the roof he saw a woman bathing; and the woman was very beautiful in appearance.” From that thought, “David sent messengers and took her, and when she came to him, he lay with her (11:4).” 

When Bathsheba becomes pregnant, David sins even more in trying to cover it up. His conscience weighs on him, knowing what he has done is wrong. Later Nathan the prophet confronts David. “Why have you despised the word of the LORD by doing evil in His sight (2 Kings 12:9).” David shows remorse when he is confronted: “Then David said to Nathan, ‘I have sinned against the LORD.’ And Nathan said to David, ‘The LORD also has taken away your sin; you shall not die (12:13).’”

We all make mistakes. “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23).” To pursue the Spirit of God each day is to pursue the fruit of the Spirit: “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law (Galatians 5:22-23).” Each day we must intentionally follow Jesus. “Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. (24-25).”