This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall
not fulfil the lust of the flesh. –Galatians 5:16 (KJV)
Many years ago, I knew an elderly man who shared
with me powerful insight regarding the struggle between the Spirit and
the flesh. He likened this battle to two dogs, a white one and
a black one, and the two dogs would fight each day. “Which of
the two dogs wins the fight?” He asked. My friend then
supplied the answer; “The one I feed.” Of course, the black
dog represents the flesh, while the white dog represents the Spirit.
What my wise friend shared was true; the winner of the daily battle
depends upon which one we feed.
Many Christians lose the spiritual battles because
they starve the Holy Spirit within them. How do they do this?
They starve the Spirit by neglecting prayer, time in the Word, and fellowship
with other believers. On the other hand, when we feed the Spirit
within us with these divine pursuits we increase in spiritual strength
and are thus empowered to resist evil and walk in victory. The
spiritual battles will come our way. Therefore, be prepared for
them. This is why Scripture challenges us to walk in the Spirit,
which leads to overcoming the flesh, or the sinful nature.
Be careful not to equate walking in the Spirit of
God with a sad, sorrowful, stuffy, and self-righteous way of thinking
and living, for nothing could be father from the truth. Walking
in the Spirit is walking forward in faith, which produces joy, peace,
comfort, confidence, and power over those dark forces that otherwise
bring us down. Through the power of Christ in us we cease from
being hung up on problems and irritations that in the broad scope of
God’s kingdom have little bearing. Instead, we focus on Jesus
Christ, who in turn leads us to look up and beyond the trials of life
to God’s greater plan and purposes. The result of such a spiritual
walk is ceasing from worrying about what we cannot control and rejoicing
in God’s grace and power.
As we walk in the power of the Spirit we grow stronger
spiritually. Each day as we delve deeper into God’s Word, prayer,
worship, and fellowship with other believers we continue to gain what
I like to call spiritual muscle. This is not an easy process,
for it requires commitment, sacrifice, focus, and energy. Yet,
the rewards are well worth it. There is an old saying about exercise;
no pain, no gain. The same is true with growing in spiritual power.
A dear woman in our church who has lately undergone many trials in her
life told me of the wonderful grace of God she has experienced.
She spoke of the trials she has faced as a pruning process the Lord
is doing. Such pruning is painful, yet indeed leads to growth.
Do not despair my friend, and do not give up.
Walk forward in faith and God will empower you to spiritual heights
you had not imagined.
God bless you today.
