July 21st, 2016

“Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful nature will harvest decay and death from that sinful nature. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit. So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. ‭‭Galatians‬ ‭6:8-9 NLT

Living to fulfill our selfish, sinful desires will only lead us down a path of decay and destruction. Our carnal (natural) man is corrupt because of our inherited sin. Adam sinned and, thus, we are all born into this world as sinners.

"When Adam sinned, sin entered the world. Adam’s sin brought death, so death spread to everyone, for everyone sinned.” ‭‭Romans‬ ‭5:12‬ ‭NLT‬‬

The only way to live a life that will lead to blessing is to submit to the Holy Spirit. The first step is to genuinely accept Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. When this takes place, the Holy Spirit will come into our life and take residence. Second, we must submit to the Holy Spirit rather than our carnal (natural) man. Let me put it this way. Have you ever heard someone say "do whatever makes you happy"? How about "whatever makes you feel good"? These are dangerous mottos to live by. The only way to live a solid, honorable, godly life is to listen to the Holy Spirit. You can't do that when you are listening to the wrong voices. Psalm 1:1-3 says “Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers. But they delight in the law of the LORD, meditating on it day and night. They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do.” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭1:1-3‬ ‭NLT‬‬

If you sow according to your corrupt nature you will reap corruption. If you sow according to the Holy Spirit you will reap everlasting life.

Doing the right thing isn't always popular and easy, it is often against the flow of the crowd and requires discipline. If we will remember that the results are more important than immediate gratification we will be much better off. Doing what is right never leads to wrong. Doing what is wrong never leads to right. Which do you choose?

Prayer for today: Father, in Jesus name, help me live under the influence and direction of the Holy Spirit. I want my life to be lived to serve You and bring You glory!