Managing The Spiritual Side

The emotions of every individual are constantly dictating to them. Desires and temptations along with everyday responses such as laughter are natural part of human character. When Paul wrote in the the Book of Ephesians about wrestle against powers and principalities he was referring to spiritual enmities. When he wrote in the Book of Romans in chapter seven about doing that which he did not want to, he was referring to the “law of the flesh”. As we study through the Book of Galatians we notice that in chapter two verse twenty that a dynamic statement is mentioned.

I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. (Galatians 2:20 ESV)

The flesh has been crucified, bringing in the deep reflection of death to self and the acceptance of the life of Christ Jesus living in the heart. Christ now is the director, the orchestrator of the life that has surrendered to His love. Now faith has its birthing in the character of that individual. Faith is knowing that God’s Word has been applied to the heart.  Faith is real action word and displays an uncanny ability to trust God in the impossible situations. The incredible stories that are found in the Bible amply state that faith is part of our relationship with God.

Paul mentions the “old self” in Romans chapter six in a very precise manner.

We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. (Romans 6:6 ESV)

That crucifixion relates to Galatians 2:20 and the sin that has cursed humanity is brought to nothing, no power or authority! The enslavement to the old self is emancipated and now the heart is full of Christ. He is leading, and the breath of life is spiritual to the acceptance of His love. We could never mange our own spiritual lives. The flesh that had the bondage of sin entrapping it would never allow the authority of Christ to reign in the heart.

There is a freedom that must come to each of us to be able to be reckoned with the life of Christ. The surrendering of the old self and its ways are brought to naught through His death at Calvary. Having Him manage the spiritual side of the life we lead takes away the burdens and fears. Wherever you are He is there, managing and keeping you safe. Read Psalm 91, in fact, study it and realize that your relationship with Him takes you to die and live with Him managing your heart. The old self will always try to obtain victory again, but with the faith in Christ and understanding of His presence, the old self has no strength to win.

If you want a spiritual life then you need to walk in the Spirit with Christ.

Dennis