The desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. Galatians 5:17 ESV
When it comes to problems in relationships, how often do you hear this: It’s not you, it’s me?
If she hadn’t said that…if he hadn’t done that. In conflict, our go-to is usually to point to the other person who’s difficult to get along with. The Bible sees it differently. It talks about our selfish, sinful natures that always put us first, before others. The Bible book of Galatians talks of a war inside us between what it calls our flesh and God’s spirit. It says, “The desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do” (Galatians 5:17 ESV).
When a person surrenders control of their life to Jesus, the Bible says that God’s Spirit will give them the power to live a life that’s pleasing to God. But there will be many times we have to decide to keep on following Jesus–to obey Him in ways that, without His Spirit, we wouldn’t naturally.
Examples of people living according to their flesh are everywhere. From social media to politics—we devour each other with accusations and insults. Your enemy isn’t that person who thinks or looks differently than you, nor is it your irritating spouse, coworker or whiny kids. The enemy is your flesh.
Being aware of our flesh changes us. It makes us ask, “What is my part in this?” before I point a finger. It requires me to ask myself if I’m going to keep on submitting to the Holy Spirit or do what feels good to my flesh.
Ask yourself: What if I believed that my biggest problem is not with you but is in me?
