[13] “You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love. [16-18] So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law. [24-25] Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.” Galatians 5:13, 16-18, 24-25 (NIV)
 
John lived an unrestrained life of hedonism. He indulged himself with every desire. There were no limits. Momma had taught him Christian values but he had run from them many years ago. Personal pleasure was more important to him than some figment of momma’s imagination called the Spirit. Now, he was dying, alone, in excruciating pain all because of his unrestrained life. John couldn’t run away from this.
 
Half way across the planet, Helen lived a “model” life. She attended church every Sunday and sometimes paid attention to what the pastor preached. Helen, occasionally, boasted to herself that she wasn’t a bad person. Also, occasionally, she would gratify certain desires. The Spirit always convicted her but, after all, no one knew that she indulged. Her constant excuse was that she lived under grace and not under laws.
 
Christ has given each of us a liberty that produces both free choice and responsibility. The free choice involves choosing whom we will serve. The responsibility involves accountability for the choice made. Paul advises us that a constant “walk in the Spirit” will help us make first-class, responsible choices. In addition, he informs us that crucifying our sinful desires and passions give evidence that we belong to Christ. Living in and walking with the Spirit will enable us to be free from the slavery of those desires and passions.

Dear Father, thank you for your grace and mercy. Forgive our faults and failures. Empower us to listen to and follow the Spirit. This I pray in the name of Jesus. AMEN

Be encouraged today and live in the Spirit,