What do you consider when facing a decision? Some, purposely or subconsciously, ask, “What would make me happy? What do I really want? What would my friends think?” These may seem good, logical questions, but consider whether biblical wisdom guides in a different approach.
Read Galatians 5:16-17: “But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other.” The things you want in life may seem harmless and wholesome, but is it possible that your happiness, your desires, are “the desires of the flesh” and in opposition to Godly desires?
To be clear in what he means by “works of the flesh,” Paul lists some in verses 19-21: “sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these.” Take an honest look at your life and determine whether you struggle with any of these: immoral thoughts, sensual behavior, any priorities more important than God (idolatry), superstitions (giving credence to your horoscope or good luck charms), enmity, strife, jealousy, temper. You may say that God is number one in your life, but what does the evidence of your decisions show? Do you guard your thought life? Are you thankful when others succeed? Do you humbly seek the good of others? When you chose your last job, did you first research local churches in the area to determine whether there was a biblical church where you could be a financial and ministry help? We may see ourselves as pretty good, but we miss foundational wisdom which could guide us correctly when we focus on the evil of the sins which we don’t commit but ignore the significance of the ones of which we’re guilty.
In contrast, verses 22-23 clarify the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Look at those words again and consider them one by one. Do they describe you? Consistently?
Paul begins this passage with the encouragement to “walk by the Spirit”(v. 16). He reminds in verse 25, “If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit.” We can’t accomplish this on our own; we need to fill our minds and hearts with the Word of God so that the Spirit can help us evidence these fruits. If you’re still reading this, you’re on the right path to Spirit-led choices.