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The Battle Within

In his letter to Christians in Galatia, Paul tried to get them to understand the inner conflict that all who belong to Christ will experience. This battle is between “the flesh” (our sinful human nature) and the Holy Spirit who lives within us (Gal. 5:17). Because our self-centered nature wants its own way, it fights the rule of Christ within us. So we often end up doing our will rather than God’s (v.17).

Once I prayed in desperation, “Lord, please show me how to overcome!” God directed me to Paul’s words in Galatians 5:16—“Walk in the Spirit.” I kept reading, and came to recognize my own “works of the flesh”—my envy, anger, hatred, and selfish ambitions (vv.19-21).

I asked God for forgiveness, and I came to understand that I have been crucified with Christ (2:20). The power of my sinful flesh has been broken (5:24; Rom. 6:6-7). I’ve gradually learned to bring this “death” into effect by allowing my flesh no more rights than a corpse! So I resolve daily to recognize and obey Christ’s will alone. I sometimes fail, but repentance puts me back in step with the Holy Spirit.
We face this conflict every day, but the Spirit can overcome our sinful desires and win the battle. Which side is winning in your life? —Joanie Yoder

Lord, grant me strength from day to day—
How prone I am to go astray!
The passions of my flesh are strong;
Be Thou, my God, a shield from wrong. —D. De Haan

God will give us the victory, but we must be willing to fight.