Have we truly let the Spirit lead us or do we still hang on to what we feel is important? As Paul continues to talk about the Spirit and how He is in us helping us see what to do we must understand that we can surrender to and feed the Spirit by reading and studying God’s word.
In verse 16 Paul says, “So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves.” Our feelings won’t stop happening, but whatever we are feeling will have the upper hand in our decisions. What I mean is if we fill our lives with the joys of this world it will be easier to fall into the devils traps. If we are seeking wisdom from God, reading and praying we will be able to hear the Spirit in us and our faith will have a chance to grow and we will choose to let the Spirit lead us.
As we read on in chapter 5 verse 17 we see that Paul shares this, “The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions.” If we just believe our walk is good and we don’t grow and seek wisdom we are going to struggle with the world. But if we are living our faith out and refueling every day the Spirit becomes the thing that drives us and we have a better chance to listen to His nudging’s.
I have a mission statement for myself and that is helping people who believe in Jesus, belong to Jesus. When I read what Paul is saying in Galatians I think of how amazing my life is when I belong and seek everything from God. I slow down and I ask God before I react and the Spirit has a chance to work in me. Look what Paul shares in chapter 5 verse 24 and then pray to belong to Christ. “Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to His cross and crucified them there.” Amen