The flesh or the spirit?

Galatians 6:7-10 -Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.

Tonight, Pastor Mike taught us a great lesson that we will live according to what side of us we feed more. People can see by our lifestyle whether we are feeding our flesh more, or our Spirit. Often we say that we want to be close to God and grow spiritually, but we continue to feed our flesh. We naturally want to feed our flesh, and it is not natural to feed our Spirit. It's hard to feed our Spirit, and it takes a long time to get the results we are looking for. Most of us treat getting 'into shape' spiritually just like we treat getting into shape physically. We go at it all out for a week or two, maybe even a month; but when we don't see big enough results fast enough, we get discouraged and quit. Romans 12:2 says 'And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God. We should never be done growing spiritually. It should be a constant process that continues throughout our whole life. Every day we should be transforming our lives in every area to be closer to where he wants us to be. No, it isn't easy. it is something we need to purpose in our hearts, and stick with it no matter what our flesh tries to tell us. Hebrews 11:25 says 'Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater than the treasures of Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompense of the reward.' Giving in to the flesh is easy, and it gives you an instant reward. Feeding the spirit is hard, and it takes a long time before you reap your reward; but when you do, it is so worth it!

Someone said, 'Ten years from now, we will be where our devotions are today.' That is why it is so important to stay focused on God, and continue to pray, read God's word and have daily devotions, and memorize Scripture. Even when we don't think it is doing any good, and we really want to quit, if we are diligent, we will reap the rewards. He that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.

This lesson was a huge encouragement to me. Since I have gotten serious about growing close to God, and following his will, I have found myself getting frustrated because I wasn't seeing any results. I need to remember that it is a constant process, and thank God that he will always be there to help me when I get discouraged.

Hebrews 12:1-2 is a really encouraging challenge. Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.