Galatians 5:16-17 NCV “So I tell you: Live by following the Spirit. Then you will not do what your sinful selves want. Our sinful selves want what is against the Spirit, and the Spirit wants what is against our sinful selves. The two are against each other, so you cannot do just as you please,”
Galatians 5:19-21 NCV “The wrong things the sinful self does are clear: being sexually unfaithful, not being pure, taking part in sexual sins, worshiping gods, doing witchcraft, hating, making trouble, being jealous, being angry, being selfish, making people angry with each other, causing divisions among people, feeling envy, being drunk, having wild and wasteful parties, and doing other things like these. I warn you now as I warned you before: Those who do these things will not inherit God’s kingdom.”
Galatians 5:22-23 NCV “But the Spirit produces the fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. There is no law that says these things are wrong.”
Ok then, now what? How many were you able to identify with on the naughty list? Many I’m sure as I set amongst the ugly with you. I don’t practice witchcraft but I do feel hate at times! I don’t get drunk or throw wild parties but I do get angry and can be selfish. Do I just say this is me and the way God made me, so I can’t help it!!!
No…we don’t get a get out of jail free card! First off, God didn’t make us this way; we aren’t born envious, jealous, drunk or mad. Sin entered the world and humans after the first taste of the forbidden fruit. When our baby feet take their first steps on the soiled ground, sinful self enters. Even toddlers get into their fair share of trouble. We always seem to want what we can’t have.
We are warned to recognize our sinful natures and address. Pray for change within, pray for God’s release from the demons of addiction, pray for strength to make the changes in your life that have become chains of burden. We don’t have to stay in our wrongs and filth, we have a Savior.
Psalms 41:10 NLT “Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me.”
1 Peter 2:16 ESV “Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God.”
Have I got the fruit of the Spirit mastered? Heavens no, and I imagine I will be praying and repeating prayers resembling, “Lord, help me to overcome and change the parts of me I don’t care for, help me to hear and see the parts of me others don’t care for, and grow me into who you care for me to be. I wish to walk happy, joyful, peaceful, and a light to others.”
He who has begun a good work in me will continue till the day of his return, He will for you also all you have to do is ask. Be blessed today and thank you for joining me. 🥰
Sunshine On My Shoulder 