Directed

December 6, 2018

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.

But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! Galatians 5:16-22

Have you ever explained yourself by saying, “It’s just my nature…” or “It’s just not in my nature…”? Paul says you are telling the truth. How we make choices, live our lives, characterize who we are depends on who is in charge of our natures and desires. “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.”

The results of being directed by your sinful nature and desires are 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. That’s an ugly, divisive life. It’s toxic and destructive.

The results of being guided by the Holy Spirit’s desires are life-giving: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Who is not attracted and fulfilled by those qualities?

The quality of your life depends on who/what is directing it. The Holy Spirit will direct you into Spirit-filled desires and Spirit-infused life. It’s the wise choice.

  • Who or what does evidence show directs your life?
  • You WILL be guided by your nature. You decide whether it will be your sinful nature or the Holy Spirit. Talk to God about it.