Walk by the spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. – Galatians 5:16
Today’s verse expresses a comforting thought. When you walk after the Spirit, doing what pleases Him, you will steer clear of gratifying the desires of the flesh, those things that offend the Lord and are harmful to you. In other words, if you are busy doing the things you are supposed to do, you will not have time to do the things that displease the Father.
Following after the Spirit is a learning progression with many ups and downs. Ingrained habits or addictions can cause great difficulty when walking after the Spirit. Some people are delivered instantly from habits like drugs or smoking, while others struggle through a long process of recovery. Emotions like anger, impatience, and pride may take time to unlearn and overcome. It involves working “out your own salvation with fear and trembling” (Philippians 2:12). The work is a partnership. “For it is God who works in you, both to will and work for His good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13).
The process begins with prayer and Bible study. Paul told the church in Rome, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect” (Romans 12:2).
Be attentive to the Spirit’s guidance and timing in your growing pains. He may be concerned more with your attitude than a particular action. Pray for believing citizens and government leaders to understand the intensity of the Lord’s love and spread it to all those around them.
Today’s Verse: Galatians 5:16
But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: Ephesians 3:14-21
14 For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, 16 that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, 19 and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
20 Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
