August 23, 2010
Galatians 5
Lynell McCrary
If you are anything like me, you could probably read Galatians 5 and always find daily application. In my Bible, this chapter is divided into two sections: “Freedom in Christ” and “Life by the Spirit.”
Regarding the first section, I embrace my freedom in Christ. His guidance gives me great freedom because not only do I know what God expects from me but I also know Who wins in the end.
However, since I am a rule follower, I struggle more with the second part of this chapter, “life by the Spirit.”
I like to see boundaries that are set clearly. If there is chaos and confusion in a situation, I am quick to set rules and guidelines. When I find my life out of balance and vulnerable to sinful desires, my tendency is to set some new “rules” for my life. However, this is the opposite of what God is asking me to do. Although I need to have accountability for my actions, I must call upon the One who will fight the fleshly battle with me…and for me.
Our flesh battles against the work of the Spirit within us, and vice versa. It is the right response to the Lord to call upon the Holy Spirit in battling against our flesh. If we try to do it on our own, we will lose. It is only by the power of the Spirit that we will experience true life.
When you find yourself confronted with a fleshly feeling or thought, will you choose to let the Holy Spirit win? How do the “fruits of the Spirit” shape your choices?
Lynell says that her favorite Bible character changes from time to time but for now it’s Esther, “because she was able to set aside her personal desires in pursuit of God’s agenda. She was patient, yet assertive.”
