Devotion #6: Who is Your Choice?

Have you ever faced unrealistic expectations? Maybe it was in your job or some other aspect of life in which you were given expectations that you did not see as achievable. However, maybe with the proper knowledge and training, it could be very doable! Maybe it is obtainable with just a choice that you had to make! 

In Romans 8:5-8, Paul says, “For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God’s law; indeed, it cannot. Those who are in the flesh cannot please God.” In the previous verses, Paul talks about how the Law was given by God to us as guidelines for how to live a righteous life. However, the Law actually highlighted our sinful nature and the fact that we will never live up to the standard of God, but Jesus stepped in! 

Romans 8:2 tells us that through the “Spirit of life” in Christ, we are set free! Jesus came and lived the perfect life that lined up with God’s Law. So, we are now faced with a decision. We can choose to live according to the flesh, following our sinful nature, which only leads to death, both physically and spiritually. Or, we can choose to live according to the Spirit. He is the very same Spirit that brought David victory over Goliath! He is the very same Spirit that brought Jesus out of the tomb! He is the very Spirit that Jesus promises we will receive when we confess Him as our Lord and Savior! Yet, it is a choice that we have to make. 

Paul addressed the church of Galatia with the same teachings (Galatians 5:16-18), showing us that we cannot fulfill the requirements of the Law. However, Jesus did! This is why, just a few chapters later, God’s Word tells us that we should be transformed by the renewal of our minds (Romans 12:2). 

Finally, Jesus tells us in Luke 9:23, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” Jesus says we need to choose to live according to the Spirit daily. Every day, when you wake up, you have a choice to make. Will it be living according to the fleshly desires of our sinful nature that only lead us to death, or living according to the righteousness given only by the Holy Spirit in Jesus? Choose the Spirit. Choose life. Choose Jesus.