DAILY READING
REFLECTION
Keeping Step With the Spirit
by Judy Webb
The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. (Romans 8:6)
Mind – thought or attention Governed – controlled, influenced, ruled Flesh – physical needs or wants Death – permanent end, demise Spirit – soul, supernatural temperament, mood Life– way of living, days, person Peace -- calm serenity, true cease fire
Remember when you were a kid and perhaps watching cartoons at the movie theater and a scene comes on with a character battling their conscience. This scene is depicted by a devil sitting on one shoulder and an angel on the other. They are each whispering in the closest ear, conflicting messages.
How many times has a picture like this projected onto the movie screen of your mind? An inner argument ensues as to what is the next right thing to do.
The battle is often against what we want to do and what we know we should or should not do. Isn't that a normal turmoil of our will? Once we accept Jesus as Savior and build a personal relationship with Him, this battle becomes more intense because we know what scripture says. The mind is a strategic battleground where the flesh and the Spirit fight for dominion.
More truth is found in these two verses: The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God. (Romans 8:7-8) When the characters on our opposing shoulders are warring for our attention and for our affection it would be wise to remember. If we listen to our fleshly desires, we cannot please God.
Romans 6:23 – “The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life.”
If we cannot please God we will never hear the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
PRAYER PRACTICE
Dear Jesus, Send your Holy Spirit to give me wisdom and show me how to be fruitful. I want to follow you and your ways. And I want to show my neighbors what a difference the life lived in the Spirit is best. Come Holy Spirit! Amen
Comments