You were indeed called to be free, brothers and sisters. Don’t turn this freedom into an excuse for your corrupt nature to express itself. Rather, serve each other through love. All of Moses’ Teachings are summarized in a single statement, “Love your neighbor as you love yourself.” But if you criticize and attack each other, be careful that you don’t destroy each other. Let me explain further. Live your life as your spiritual nature directs you. Then you will never follow through on what your corrupt nature wants. What your corrupt nature wants is contrary to what your spiritual nature wants, and what your spiritual nature wants is contrary to what your corrupt nature wants. They are opposed to each other. As a result, you don’t always do what you intend to do. If your spiritual nature is your guide, you are not subject to Moses’ laws. Now, the effects of the corrupt nature are obvious: illicit sex, perversion, promiscuity, idolatry, drug use, hatred, rivalry, jealousy, angry outbursts, selfish ambition, conflict, factions, envy, drunkenness, wild partying, and similar things. I’ve told you in the past and I’m telling you again that people who do these kinds of things will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the spiritual nature produces love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There are no laws against things like that. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified their corrupt nature along with its passions and desires. If we live by our spiritual nature, then our lives need to conform to our spiritual nature. We can’t allow ourselves to act arrogantly and to provoke or envy each other.
Galatians 5:13-26 GW
Do you belong to Jesus Christ?
Or is your life your own?
Does it offend you that Christ would ask you to subdue that carnal, worldly, sinful, rebellious nature for the sale of living and serving others?
Or are you grateful for what He has done on the cross to save you, poor, wretched sinner – and in turn you are yielding to His Holy Spirit to be your trusted guide?
Does your life, your whole life, belong to Jesus?
Don’t just settle for a religious life where you tithe part of your life, time, money, and gifts to Him and keep the rest for yourself. Don’t hold back, let Him into every area of your life. Run to Him with reckless abandon. Use your whole life in ways that will bring glory and honor to Him, and you will not be disappointed with the abundant life that He has in store for you.
Harold J. Ballinger 