Bible passage: Galatians 5:16-18
So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.
Have you ever experienced moments in your Christian journey where your passion for God fluctuates? If so, know that you are not alone, and I understand how frustrating it can be to feel stuck in a cycle of little progress. Unfortunately, this is a common issue many Christians face, and today’s passage sheds light on a significant reason for it.
I like to visualize this issue as a scale, much like the one in the picture above. On one side of the scale is the spirit, and on the other is the flesh. The coins represent the amount of time you spend on each side. When you focus on nurturing your spiritual life through reading scripture, prayer, worship, and listening to Christian teachings, you will grow spiritually and produce the fruit of the spirit. However, spending more time on activities that strengthen the flesh, such as watching inappropriate shows or movies, listening to secular music, reading non-religious books, or browsing non-Christian social media, will diminish your desire to spend time with God.
Therefore, if you feel your passion for God is dwindling, it’s time to assess which side of the scale you have invested most of your time in. If it’s the flesh side, it’s time to start building new habits. Remember, you are not alone on this journey; the Holy Spirit is there to help and strengthen you. However, you must take the first step by choosing Him over your flesh. As 2 Corinthians 12:9 says, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” If you make an effort, you will see a significant shift in your spiritual journey.
P.S. I am not implying that all non-Christian entertainment is inherently sinful. However, it’s crucial to prioritize activities that contribute to your spiritual development. The key is to invest more time in things that help you mature spiritually and deepen your relationship with God.
