"16So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. 17For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want. 18But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law.
19The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.
22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. 25Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. 26Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other."
There is discord. The Spirit could cure it. It can abolish our sinful nature if we have faith in it. The struggle will only intensify, but then so will God's strength through us. So why resist? I know I am prideful and arrogant, that I wish no honesty in our relationship, that I don't want you to heal, that I do not understand, that you must do things a little at a time. You told me already. And I disagree.
So our dissension begins.
Christ wishes to be our righteousness and the Spirit gives us guidance to resist all our sinful nature. That means all our bad habits go. With complete response to the Spirit, the discord vanishes. So why must there be separation? It is an honest question, although an already answered one. Looking around so much growth is happening and you are not part of it. The question of "Why?" surfaced too many times to count. Then it became apparent you were not trusting the Spirit. Instead, you put your hope in many other things. The rapid expansion of growth and regression never ceases to leave me speechless, and sometimes angry.
Then I remember He has spoken.
The Lord has promised growth. You have as well. So it will be. Finally, in some small amount, to a minuscule of a degree, God is strengthening my faith. Not much longer can we run. A decision must be made. No one is going to make it for you or I, and no one can help you escape.
By the Spirit, fear will no longer drive this life. God let that be the same for all of us.
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