STRIVING

“So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves. The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions. But when you are directed by the Spirit, you are not under obligation to the law of Moses. When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God.” Galatians 5:16-21


I strive! I strive to control my emotions, my actions, my tongue, and my thoughts. My heart lies to me and wants to react in ways contrary to my beliefs. My mind struggles to control my heart motives. Somewhere in between is a spirit that tries to merge the two and respond from a place only Jesus can influence. It's a constant struggle. I pray I am characterized by having a heart and mind that are woven into the Spirit of the Lord residing in me. Will I always get it right? Nope. Will I always get it wrong? Nope. Will I always strive to be subject to the Spirit that lives in me? I certainly hope so. If I am controlled by my mind, I am compelled to protect myself from anything that might harm me. If I am controlled by my heart, I miss the connection I need to be empathetic or sensitive to other’s needs. I can think my way through most things and find a way to benefit myself. What I need is the real me. The combination of mind, heart and Spirit. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control....” Galatians 5:22-23
These are not characteristics we get to pick and choose to use as needed. They are evidence of life in Christ. They are not spiritual gifts that the Holy Spirit hands out. They are the reflection of Christ within us and they are not optional. Being in Christ goes much deeper than being a good person. I've known several good people that aren't Christians and I know "Christians" that aren't good people. My desire is to find myself transformed into the image of Christ and to manifest the characteristics of His life. I'm a work in progress.

Do you find yourself struggling between what your flesh and emotions are demanding from you as you try to submit and conform yourself and your actions to the image of our Creator? Have you pursued acting in the Fruits of the Spirit or assumed that God created you the way you are and you don't have to try to act in ways that show He is working in you and helping you submit your will to His? Our purpose is to strive to be like Jesus. That means "Nevertheless, thy will, not mine.