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Tug of War Within

I woke up today thinking about what it really takes to maintain healthy relationships—with friends, family, and those we love. It is never without effort. There are misunderstandings, complaints, and moments when we must forgive or be forgiven, love and be loved. We adjust, reconcile, and grow—because love, no matter how imperfect, binds us. But then I wondered: if staying connected with people we can see takes so much intentionality, how much more effort should we make to stay connected with God—the One we cannot see but deeply need?

God does not demand that we earn His love through sacrifice or performance. That is not His heart. Yet, there is a role we must play in keeping ourselves attuned to Him. A life of alignment with God is not accidental—it is cultivated. I speak of God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. And I believe many of us know Him—or are at least making an effort to keep His presence alive in our hearts. But if you have never had a relationship with Him, I wish I could sit with you for a day and talk about His goodness—His kindness, mercy, unexplainable favor, and deep, unwavering love. Truly, I have not encountered any spirit, being, or ideology—living or dead—that comes close to who He is.

You see, no matter how modern or enlightened the world becomes, there remains a longing within us for the supernatural—for something or Someone greater than ourselves. Science, philosophy, and logic take us far, but they eventually reach their limits. And when they do (as always), we often find ourselves turning to the invisible realm, searching for meaning, for hope, for divine intervention. That hunger is not random. It is the soul crying out to return to its Source—to the Invisible God who created everything and holds everything together (Colossians 1:17).

The truth is, many of us may already know this. But if you are still exploring or unsure, I encourage you to click this link to learn more—so I can stay focused on the main topic of this article.

Back to my morning reflections—while reading the Book of Romans, chapter 8 verse 5 stood out to me.

New International Version: "Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires." New Living Translation: "Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit."

That is loaded! Let's unpack the scripture.

There are two powerful forces constantly influencing our reality—the flesh and the Holy Spirit. I understand that the term flesh might sound abstract, so let us break it down. The flesh represents the desires that feed our sinful nature—pleasures, vanities, and self-centered pursuits that slowly dull our awareness of God in both thought and behavior. It is the space where God is sidelined, where our choices and actions are driven more by impulse than by the Word of God and the leading of the Holy Spirit.

In contrast, the Holy Spirit gently pulls us toward God. He teaches us about Jesus and the Father, aligns our hearts with God's purpose, and helps us live in obedience to His will and Word.

But what exactly are these sinful desires? As I meditated on Romans 8:5, an image came to mind: a weighing scale. On one side—living according to the flesh; on the other—living according to the Spirit. That visual inspired me to call it the "Walkometer"—a personal gauge for how we walk through life and who we allow to shape our steps.

Gauging Our Walk With God

How do we track if we are walking in the flesh or in the Spirit? Let's look at Romans 8:5; New International Version: "Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires."

When we place “living by the flesh” and “living by the Spirit” on opposite sides of the scale, it becomes clearer which direction our lives are drifting toward.

⚖️ On the left side of the scale is "Living According to the Flesh." That is, having a mindset fixed on self, temporary satisfaction, and earthly desires. Let me break it down as follows:

Flesh-Focused Life (Carnal)Description🧠 Self-GratificationPursuit of pleasure, comfort, and personal image.💰 MaterialismCraving wealth, possessions, and status symbols.🗣️ Pride & EgoSeeking validation, recognition, and control.🔥 Anger, Lust, EnvyDriven by unchecked emotions and covetousness.🚫 Resistance to GodIgnoring or rejecting His truth and guidance.⛓️ Bondage to SinHabitually surrendering to temptation or addiction.🕰️ Focus on the TemporaryLiving for the moment while neglecting eternity.

⚖️ On the right side of the scale is "Living According to the Spirit." This is a mindset rooted in God's will, eternal truths, and inner transformation.

Spirit-Focused Life (Spiritual)Description🙏 Intimacy with GodOngoing relationship through prayer, the Word, and worship.❤️ Love, Joy, PeaceEvidencing the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23).🧘‍♂️ Surrender & ObedienceTrusting and yielding to God’s leading.🧎‍♀️ Humility & GraceWalking in forgiveness, service, and meekness.🌱 Growth in RighteousnessDesiring holiness and spiritual maturity.🔥 Empowerment for PurposeUsing your gifts to serve others and fulfill your calling.🕊️ Focus on the EternalMaking decisions with heaven in view, not just today.

🧭 How do we use the walkometer? We must pause and reflect daily:

Where is my mind most focused right now—on self or on God?

Are my desires feeding the flesh or flowing from the Spirit?

What fruit is my life currently producing—worldly or spiritual?

How to Walk in the Spirit Daily

1. Regularly studying and meditating on the Word of God “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.” Joshua 1:8 (NKJV).

“But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night.” Psalm 1:2 (NKJV).

2. Praying without ceasing “Pray without ceasing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:17 (NKJV). “Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving.” Colossians 4:2 (NKJV).

3. Worshiping and giving thanks to God all the time “I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.” Psalm 34:1 (NKJV). “In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NKJV).

4. Acting on the Word of God “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” James 1:22 (NKJV). “Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock.” Matthew 7:24 (NKJV).

5. Doing the work of the Lord (like witnessing about the good news to others) “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” Matthew 28:19 (NKJV). “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me…” Acts 1:8 (NKJV).

6. Being filled with the Holy Spirit every day “And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit.” Ephesians 5:18 (NKJV). “If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.” Galatians 5:25 (NKJV).

Read more by clicking any of the links below on knowing the Father and building yourself in God: The Me Mirror: Breaking Free from Self-Obsession Birth of a New Dawn Cross Over What is it with you and IJGB? I Want Peace The King is Coming Everything My Podcast Remember Lot’s Wife He revealed Himself Didn’t end there You are not doomed Do you believe God No One Like You Are You Alive Series? Dead the Noise Not Transactional Forget Not Who Do You Worship Love Not

Or click here to read more inspiring posts.

Source: Tug of War Within

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