Devotional June 12 2020As an avid bowhunter, there are many times that I am up before sunrise. My goal is to be settled into the spot I have selected before first light. Making a stealthy entrance can be challenging since I am not able to see very well in the dark and there is no path to easily follow. In many ways this is a good description of how we are in life. We are not able to see where our choices will lead us and often there are no clear paths to take.
As believers God has given us the most adequate navigation tools in the Bible and by the Holy Spirit. Think of it like having a GPS. The way a GPS helps us navigate is by showing you where you are in relation to your destination. It can help you know which direction to go and where not to go. A GPS can help lead you to your destination by helping you see from a different perspective. The Bible serves us as a guide in matters of how to live and the Holy Spirit helps us form a pattern to follow for life in a fallen world.
Paul identifies paths that are consistent with a Holy Spirit filled believer
“For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law. The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” (Galatians 5:17-23)
As followers of Christ, our aim is to be operating in the Spirit. The Bible can help us identify things in our life that are not God’s desires for us. This week, let us consider what it looks like to live by the Spirit, and let us consider what the Lord is trying to tell us through His Word.