Devotional: Flesh Opposes Spirit Galatians 5:16-25

“For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please” (Gal. 5:17, NASB).

In this world there are some things that are incompatible with each other. There are some things that do not mix. Oil and water do not mix. Put together in a container and the two will separate. The oil will float on top of the water. In some cases one thing may corrupt a second thing. If one pours salt water into a container that has pure water the pure water is no longer pure. It is corrupt.

Yesterday I am listening to the D.J. Hughley show on the radio. He describes the fear that a parent experiences when their child grows up and goes out into the world. Hughley says that in spite of the teaching of the parent and all the sacrifices that the parent has made for their child, the parent is acutely aware that when their child leaves home and goes out into the world their child is in great danger of being harmed; and yes, even killed.

Christians must guard themselves against those things that will corrupt them. There are things that can corrupt us because those things do not mix with the spirit that lives in us. Before God gives us the Holy Spirit we all live corrupt lives. Now that we have received Christ by faith we have the Holy Spirit living inside us. It is our duty to shun the things of the flesh. At the same time we are to cultivate the things of the Spirit. “But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desires of the flesh” (v.16, NASB).

It is a great mistake for a person to try to live by the Spirit and at the same time satisfy the desires of the flesh. Paul describes the work of the flesh (vv. 19-21). Then, Paul describes the fruit of the Spirit. The two lists share nothing in common. Why? It is because the flesh opposes the Spirit.

Prayer: Father, we thank You for the Holy Spirit that enables us to monitor our lives and keep us from the corruption that stunts our spiritual growth. Amen.