There are many lists in the world today. Many of us keep lists in order to help us to remember tasks that need to be done. A list is a tool that helps us to live and order our lives.
The Bible has lists as well. Paul shares two lists. “So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law. The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. ” (Galatians 5:16–25, NIV84)
The first list is how not to live. It describes thoughts and behaviors that are not in the will of God. Paul writes to help us to see where in our lives the Kingdom does not yet reign. The second list describes someone who is growing in the Kingdom of God. It reveals what the Kingdom of God will look like when established in a person’s life.
When we become Christians, we live far more by the first list. The answer to that is to put to death those things in our lives that are against God. That is a decision we make. Making the decision to stop sinning is an act of worship. Walking out that decision is also an act of worship.
When we crucify the old nature, we make room for the new nature to be established. When hate is destroyed, there is room for love. When jealousy is done away with, peace and patience find room to grow. When our own selfish ambitions find death, there is room in our lives for goodness and kindness to others.
When we live by the Spirit, we are led by the Spirit. The Spirit of God will show us those places in our lives that do not match the Word of God. However, the decision to live for God is always ours. It is true that we do the things we have chosen to do. Our lives today many times reflect the choices of yesterday. Choosing to live for God today will reap Godly blessings for your tomorrow.
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