For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live. – Romans 8:13
If we live by the Spirit, our sins and misdeeds will need to be put to death, and we will get to live.
Living by the flesh feels good, but eventually it becomes a burden. It will come to light that it doesn’t work, temporary things are just that… temporary. Living by the world leads you to certain death because everything in this world will change and fade away. But living by the Spirit and choosing to put to death everything holding you back, is a choice that brings certain freedom. These things could be toxic friendships, addiction, mental health issues, school worries, work stress, and anything else that’s pulling you away from God.
Once I chose to surrender, a new life was revealed to me. Before I thought I could do it on my own, I don’t need help, and I’m in control. I even told myself that I don’t have a problem. All of those thoughts had to be put to death in order for me to allow the Spirit to take over my life. By asking for help and opening my heart for God to give me a new perspective, He created a whole new me. The real me broke through and it was only by the Spirit that I can now live. Sin drags you down, but love from God will pull you up.
I can now say that life in the Spirit is a life that nothing can compare to.
The only hard thing is learning how to live in His goodness when everything around you wants to rip you away and make you live according to the flesh. There’s this saying, “Choose your hard.” Yes, it is hard to say no to all the world has to offer. And yes, it is hard to drop everything familiar to live by the Spirit. But think to yourself, which hard choice gives you a life filled with purpose, love, joy, and an eternity with God? The flesh or the Spirit? You get to choose your hard.
Reflection
Is there anything that God is calling you to “put to death?” If there is something that immediately comes to mind, I encourage you to do what needs to be done to kill it. It might look like asking for help, praying, worshipping, or reading the word to help you discern. Take that step to surrender it all to Him. God gave you the freedom to choose which path you want to follow, and know that the best path is the one God has for you.
Enjoy time with Him,
Isabella Padovan