A Spiritual Conflict

For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want.

Galatians 5:17 (NIV)

Each of us is often faced with a choice between two options. No matter how long it takes to decide, an inner conflict is always at play within us. Countless reasons weigh on us when we make this choice. It is the value we place on these reasons and the weight they carry for us that gives rise to the conflict. Often, the two conflicting elements are incompatible; one is often the opposite of the other.

In the Bible, Abraham faced this conflict when he had to separate himself from Ishmael (the son of the flesh) to dedicate himself to Isaac (the son of the promise). We are often confronted with this conflict between the desires of the flesh and those of the Spirit. They are in conflict because they cannot coexist. The desires of the flesh corrupt our bodies and separate us from God, while the desires of the Spirit renew our spirit and drive us to seek God's presence. This is why Paul encourages us to be guided by the Holy Spirit.

You know that God rejects all that is impure. Yet, this is precisely what the flesh desires: to make us impure. By following our desires, we can no longer enter God's presence or develop a perfect relationship with Him. The Spirit, on the other hand, reveals to us the desires of God's heart and guides us in His ways through the Word. This conflict is inevitable, but you can overcome it by nourishing your mind with God's Word and aligning your desires with those of the Spirit. Do not let your fleshly nature drag you into spiritual conflict; submit it to Jesus, who will never abandon you.

May the grace and peace of God be with you all.