The Flesh and The Spirit

Posted on October 8, 2018 by America's Keswick in Freedom Fighters

But I say, walk in the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh. — Galatians 5:16-17

My guess is that you totally understand this verse. You don’t need a commentary to help you understand what it is saying. You can share your own story illustrating how this is true in your life. Right?

Welcome to this new week of Freedom Fighter blogs. We appreciate you and thank you for reading our submissions.

A number of years ago, a friend of mine was having lunch with a 90-year old Pastor. When in his presence, we felt like we were in the presence of the Lord. He radiated Christ.

In talking about temptation, my friend said to the Pastor, “It must be nice to be your age and not have to face the same temptations that we face as younger men.” The older Pastor responded, “I may be old, but I am not dead.”

There is a battle being waged daily in our lives. We are reminded from Scriptures that we battle with the world, the flesh and the devil.

Recently I read this about walking in the spirit vs. walking in the flesh and thought it would helpful for you too.

My flesh said, “I want to pursue my goals.”
The Spirit said, “Pursue My purposes.”

My flesh said, “I have great ideas.”
The Spirit said, “I have a perfect plan.”

My flesh said, “ I want to draw people by my personality.”
The Spirit said, “I want to draw people by My presence.”

My flesh said, “Look at my determination.”
The Spirit said,  “Let Me be in control.”

My flesh said, “Look at my talents.”
The Spirit said, “Desire My gifts.”

My flesh said, “I am working hard.”
The Spirit said, “Receive My power.”

My flesh said, “I have a great mind.”
The Spirit said, “Seek My wisdom.

My flesh said, “I want to make a difference.”
The Spirit said, “I am the difference.”

My flesh said, “I am well educated.”
The Spirit said, “I will give you revelation.”

My flesh said, “I am clever.”
The Spirit said, “I am truth.”

My flesh said, I want to be a person of influence.”
The Spirit said, “Walk in My favor.”

My flesh said, “I want to keep trying new things.”
The Spirit said, “Drink of Me.”

My flesh said, “I am a nice person.”
The Spirit said, “I am love.”

My flesh said, “I am doing the best I can.”
The Spirit said, “Let Me do it through you.”

My flesh said, “I am weary.”
The Spirit said, “I will renew your strength.”

My flesh said, “I am trying to live a good life.”
The Spirit said, “I will make you holy.”

My flesh said, “I want recognition.”
The Spirit said, “Seek My approval.”

My flesh said, “I want people to like me.”
        The Spirit said, “I want people to glorify Jesus.”

My flesh said, “It’s all about me.”
        The Spirit said “It’s all about Jesus.”  — from Meet Me in the Meadow

I don’t even need to give commentary. Ouch! Ouch! Ouch!

Overflowing and abounding with hope,

Bill Welte, President/CEO America’s Keswick

Written by Bill Welte, President/CEO of America’s Keswick: Bill has been married to his childhood sweetheart for 40+ years and has four married kids and 11 amazing grandkids. He loves music and is an avid reader.

The Daily Bible Reading: John 5 | You can download our 2018 Daily Bible Reading Plan by clicking here

Think About This: Grace doesn’t just look back on what Christ has done. It looks forward to what Christ will do. Luke Gilkerson

This Week’s Verse to Memorize:For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11