The War Within

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

Paul describes an internal battle that rages within every believer—the conflict between the flesh and the Spirit. This isn’t theoretical; Paul experienced this struggle personally. “For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing” (Romans 7:19). Similarly, Paul teaches the Galatian believers that the “flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit” (Galatians 5:17).

This war continues in us. Every choice we make either feeds our flesh or strengthens our walk in the Spirit. Individual choices may not have major consequences, but over time will reshape our character. When we consistently choose to walk by the Spirit, God grows in us spiritual fruit like love, joy and peace. When we regularly give in to the flesh, we develop patterns of sin that lead to destruction. Our choices today form who we will be tomorrow. Victory comes by yielding to the Spirit’s work in our lives. We must choose daily (and hourly) to walk with the Spirit and not the flesh.

TODAY: Spend time journaling about the person you want to become. Write down characteristics you hope will mark your life in five years (like patience, joy, integrity or self-control). Then, identify the daily choices you need to make to become this person. Ask God for power through his Spirit to grow and live in step with the Spirit to become this person.