How Can I Stay In Control

Galatians 5:16-17 says, "But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do."

This scripture tells us we are to walk and live guided by God's Holy Spirit - it's the only way we can keep from giving into the cravings and desires of the flesh!

This scripture says the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit - they are opposed to each other!

We read in Galatians 5:22-23 that the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and SELF-CONTROL!!  

When we obey God's commandment in Acts 2:38, we are given the gift of the Holy Spirit and with the gift comes the fruit of the Spirit. God has given the fruit of the Spirit to those who choose to obey Him. We don't have to ask for the fruit, it's a gift from God!! And, what an amazing gift it is!!  

The gift is about character - it's about reflecting God's character in our lives. These are traits of what God looks like. It's about displaying what we have been given. It's not about asking for love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control; it's about nurturing these characteristics we were given at baptism.

However, the works of the flesh in Galatians 5:19-21 get in the way!! It's up to us to get self out of the way and nurture the fruit of the Spirit.

What does this have to do with being God's masterpiece? Along with living the characteristics of the fruit of the Spirit towards others, how about being kind to your masterpiece? How about loving it, being good to it, being gentle, patient and staying in control? God will help us when we ask Him for help in nurturing the fruit of the Spirit. Would you agree it would be beneficial to do everything in your power to nurture these segments of the fruit of the Spirit?  

To read more about how you can stay in control of your eating or any other addictive behavior you may have, you can purchase "The Master's Masterpiece" at www.themastersmasterpiece.com. Or if you would like to talk to Diane about coaching or speaking to your women's group, you can click on the contact page on the website and send your questions or comments to her.