“One Year Bible” New Testament Passage (for Thurs., Sept. 20, 2012)
Galatians 5:13-26
16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. 17 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. Galatians 5:16-17 (NKJV)
There are two forces at work in the life of every follower of Jesus. There is the “desire of the flesh” and the “desire of the Spirit.”
Our flesh is what C.S. Lewis once called a “factory of desires.” It constantly generates intense need for a wide variety of things. Most people spend their entire lives seeking to fill this deep well of want.
On the other hand, Scripture says that God’s Spirit has birthed in us another entire kind of desire. The desire of the flesh can never be satisfied to the full. The desire of the Spirit finds fulfilment in the person and presence of Jesus.
The key to happiness is getting your heart and your desire set in the right direction. Scripture makes an incredible promise – GET YOUR HEART SET IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION AND GOD WILL TAKE CARE OF ALL THOSE LESSER DESIRES! (Matt. 6:33)
This is the altar that each of us faces every day. Will we lay OUR FLESHLY DESIRES on the altar or will we hold on to them. By faith, we turn from our own needs, and in so doing, find all our needs met. Amazing!