There is just enough ego and independence in us to want to do things our own way. And they keep getting us into trouble. Paul writes: ‘Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other’ (vv. 16-17 NIV). Note the words ‘the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit’. What’s the key to victory? First, lean more on God and less on yourself. Second, establish boundaries in your life. That’s why daily Bible reading is so important. It keeps you in God’s safety zone by telling you what you can do and what you had better not do to be safe. Roads have lines: one on each side and one in the centre. These lines provide margins for our safety while we’re driving. If we go over the line on one side, we risk going into the ditch. If we cross over the line in the middle, we risk getting hit by oncoming traffic. We appreciate those lines because they keep us safe. And it’s like that in our personal lives too. When we have clearly marked boundary lines, we feel much better and experience God’s peace. When God says don’t, He is not being difficult to get along with, He is being protective. You have been redeemed by the precious blood of Jesus, you are precious in His eyes, and He wants only the best for you.
