“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 the law… since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.” Galatians 5:16-18, 25.

If you are a Christian, two forces within you are in a constant tug-of-war. The Holy Spirit pushes you up and the flesh pulls you down. It’s a constant struggle to crucify the flesh and keep walking in the Spirit. To starve the old (the flesh) and feed the new (the Spirit). To consider yourself dead to sin and alive to God.

And who wins? It depends on whose side you choose. In the contest you are either on one side or the other – and never in the middle. Every hour you’re either following the claims of your fallen nature or believing the promises of God. Who prevails in this contest depends on the attitude you adopt toward each side. Every moment of the day, each decision you make, every choice and every thought is a chance to crucify the old and encourage the new. You can’t be neutral; you either walk in the Spirit or you don’t.

Spend time in the Word today and look for someone to text, call or visit to encourage them to do the same! And then, get up tomorrow with a goal of doing the same thing…

(From The NIV Encouragement Bible)