If we were simply a ‘spirit-being’ our spiritual potential would be unlimited. But we have to constantly contend with our soul, which is our emotions, will, and intellect. We also have to cope with the needs and appetites of our physical body. We’re constantly torn between our spiritual and earthly bodies. Our human nature and desires pull us one way while our spirit tries to lead us another. Our soul is constantly caught between our flesh, which says no to God, and our spirit, which says yes to Him. We want to follow God and His will, but there’s part of us that’s always tempted to go the opposite way. But when we walk in the ‘flesh’ rather than the ‘spirit’, it will take us down the wrong road every time. We have to exercise self-control and discipline in order to make ourselves follow God’s will. Our souls must be reprogrammed daily by God’s Word. Paul says: ‘Let God transform you…by [renewing] the way you think’ (Romans 12:2 NLT). When we begin to think scripturally we begin to live victoriously. We train ourselves, with God’s help, to think like Christ, act like Christ, and leave behind our earthly desires and thoughts. As we grow spiritually we begin to produce spiritual fruit (take a look at Galatians 5:22). God’s always renewing us, so even when our bodies are failing and souls are weary, ‘we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day’ (2 Corinthians 4:16 NIV). David prayed: ‘Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me’ (Psalm 51:10 NIV). Let’s pray the same for ourselves today.

What Now?

Take a moment to stop and pray the words of Psalm 51:10.