When we receive Christ into our hearts we not only receive forgiveness of all our sins, we also receive the Holy Spirit. It is that Spirit that Paul is speaking of in these verses. Walking by the Spirit is done by seeking His council and guidance. God directs us via His Holy Spirit. If we listen to the Spirit of God we will not do those things that come from a sinful nature or at least we will be less likely to. We override the influence of the Spirit by allowing ourselves to be drawn into situations that may not be healthy for us both physically and spiritually. Remember, we have a free will. We can do as we choose and as a result our new and old nature war against each other all the time. It is very much like the ‘white dog – black dog’ scenario. Whichever dog we feed the most will be the stronger of the two. We must feed the white dog and starve the black dog so that we make right choices. God will enable us to withstand the wiles of the devil if we will listen and obey. Peace is born out of our obedience. It leads to contentment and fulfillment. When we live contrary to God’s will we are on edge and feel out of sorts. I know … I’ve been there. When that happens, God doesn’t whack us on the head with a 2x4 and tell us how stupid we are, as a pastor from my past used to proclaim in various sermons. Rather, I believe God speaks peace to our hearts and loves us back onto the correct path, just as the Prodigal son’s father did in Luke 15:21-22. That story is an illustration of exactly how God feels about us.
Our Lord is not a tough task master; that title would apply to Satan. He tickles and tantalizes us until we traipse off in the opposite direction we should be going. As Christians, ambassadors of Christ, we would do best to recognize and avoid the many traps Satan has lying about. If we stay focused on our Lord and not on that which is all about us, we will be able to side step the land mines that litter the landscape.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11)
WALK WITH THE KING TODAY AND BE A BLESSING!
