Not powerful, in any way!

Just few minutes before I started typing out this post, I got an alert that my antivirus will expire in 5days. I believe it is no coincidence that I have been pondering on this post, and I got that alert like a confirmation of the connotative meaning of today’s post. Shout out to the Holy Spirit, always on point!

Like I said, the antivirus on my laptop is not in its most potent state, not sure it ever was. I won’t mention the brand, but I will definitely be making a change in the days to come. But you know we are not here to discuss which antivirus suits my laptop, or which is the best. 

Let’s talk about our spiritual antivirus: Our spirit man.

I think the first time I ever knew there was anything like a spirit man was when I was 10years old. I may not have gotten the in-depth understanding, but I definitely was curious to know what was the spirit man.

Paul spoke about how powerful the spirit man is, in Galatians 5 v 16 AMP

But I say, walk and live [habitually] in the [Holy] Spirit [responsive to and controlled and guided by the Spirit]; then you will not gratify the cravings and desires of the flesh (of human nature without God).

I used the Amplified version of this verse, as reference, because of the use of the word ‘habitually’. A habit is an acquired behavior pattern that if followed becomes almost involuntary. [Dictionary.com].

Paul urges us to make walking in the spirit a habit, till it becomes a part of us that it becomes our lifestyle by default. And he does not just end at telling us that it is necessary to walk in the spirit, he tells us the benefit of habitually walking in the spirit: then you will not gratify the cravings and desires of the flesh.

You see this benefit is real and life. As a Christian, it is possible to live a life of not gratifying the cravings and desires of the flesh.

Let me share a testimony of God’s grace with you…..

Two days ago, as I laid down to sleep at night, I was about to engage in an immoral thought as a result of a conversation I had with someone, but I literally felt a resistance. The images could not appear, therefore, in no time, I fell asleep. I woke up the next morning, not really giving the previous night any thought, until the Holy Spirit revealed to me the consequence of the fruits that would have been developed had that thought been given life. He also explained to me why that thought could not make it through. He said: Your Spirit is well fed. 

This experience has blown my mind, because I consciously did not know what was happening. I did not give a single thought to the resistance of that night until the Holy Spirit explained what had happened.

This one experience among others that I may not remember is, proof that indeed, we can live a Spirit led life, consciously and unconsciously, it all depends on what recurring behavior patterns we choose.

I will be honest with you, there are times when I have given in to thoughts and acts that I know displeased God, and later asked for forgiveness. But this recent experience has since been an eye opener for me. Now, I know I’m not a victim of sin, the Spirit of God lives to make us conquerors over sin.

Presently, I am studying the book of Proverbs. Some days ago, a verse really spoke to me: Proverbs 6 v 30-31 MSG

Hunger is no excuse for a thief to steal; when he’s caught he has to pay it back, even if he has to put his whole house in hock.

This verse has really challenged me in a manner that I believe will be eternally ingrained as a principle of my life. This verse is saying that there is no excuse to commit sin. No excuse is substantial or excusable for the act of any sin. We can live a life where our antivirus is able to detect a malware or spyware, and it’s able to quarantine or remove them, without having to destroy any file on our laptop. 

I am trusting God to live such a life. I am trusting God that as you read this post, you will get on-board as well, in seeking to live such a spirit led life where awake and asleep, our spirits are very effective. That even before our minds are able to grasp the consequences of certain actions our Spirits align with God, to do His will, despite the desires of our flesh.

But here is the thing, we do not only trust God for such a life, we walk in faith. We have to actively engage in activities that builds the spirit man: praying the word of God, praying in the spirit, studying the word of God, fasting, worshiping, meditating on the word of God, sharing the word of God, listening to sermons, being still and attentive to the Holy Spirit, watching edifying movies and programmes, listening to edifying music and the list is inexhaustive.

God has given us the grace to live above sin, to walk in victory, whether we do walk in His grace depends on the choices we make.

Remember, there is no excuse that is good enough to commit sin!

Do you ever find it hard to believe that it is possible to live a Spirit consummated life, resistant to sin? Do you think such a life is an illusion, not real? If yes, please feel free to share why you think so. Judgmental Free Arena!

PT TIP OF THE DAY

The deciding factor of a sinful life and a Grace-Spirit filled life are the daily choices that are made.

Missed my last post?

Got questions or suggestions: preciousthoughts2013@gmail.com

Princess Okechukwu!