Walking In The Spirit

"So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh."  
Galatians 5:16 (NIV)

What if you had access to unlimited power to resist every temptation you face?

You do. The Holy Spirit living in you possesses every good quality imaginable: the power to bear burdens, wisdom to guide your decisions, joy that circumstances can't take away, and peace that doesn't depend on your bank account. 

The Spirit knows the path that leads you away from everything harmful and toward what truly blesses your life and relationships.

But walking in the Spirit isn't something you do occasionally when facing a crisis. It's your daily operating system. When you surrendered to Jesus as a Christ-follower, the Spirit entered your life permanently. Now, He's ready to help you overcome every temptation before it becomes sin.

Your flesh includes all your urges to find satisfaction in something other than Christ. Tomorrow, when your mind starts looking to be satisfied in pornography, materialism, or comparison, that's your red-flag moment. You haven't sinned yet, but you're at the decision point.

In that moment, pause and pray: "Holy Spirit, I'm listening to You right now instead of my flesh. Show me what pleases Christ in this situation." Then immediately do what He prompts you to do. Text an accountability partner, take a walk, open your Bible, or simply sit in His presence.

And what does walking in the Spirit actually produce? 

Real love for someone who irritates you. 

Actual joy on rough mornings. 

Peace when finances are tight. 

Patience with your teenager's eye-rolls. 

Kindness toward that critical relative.

Faithfulness when no one's watching. 

Goodness that surprises even you. 

Self-control over your tongue and your temper. 

That's not willpower; that’s Spirit-power. 

Prayer: Lord, thank You for the gift of Your Spirit living in me. Help me listen to You every day, especially when temptation whispers. When my flesh craves things that aren't from You, may Your Spirit redirect me toward what truly satisfies. I choose to walk in Your power today. In Jesus's Name, Amen.