“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.” (Galatians 5:22-25, NKJV).

It is hard to make an honest claim to Christ when you are ruled by your flesh.

If the qualities of love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control are not manifest in your daily walk, then who is in your driver’s seat? For a disciple who has crucified the flesh with its passions and desires, such qualities need not be forced or contrived by sheer will. These qualities are the result of being led by, living in and walking in the Spirit. Are you letting the Spirit given word of God govern your life? Are His precepts your everyday passion and desire?

If you have not wholly crucified that old man with his sinful deeds in baptism (cf. Rom. 6:1-6), confess that to God, repent of your sins and seek His grace now. From this day forward, choose not to let your flesh rule your spirit, but let His Spirit rule your flesh! Then and only then will you truly belong to Christ!

My God, forgive me I pray. Help me to once and for all crucify my flesh that I may wholly and completely be led by Your Spirit. My life is lost and found in you and for this I am thankful. May the fruit of Your Spirit be manifest in me today and every day.