God's Holy Fire: 'Who Controls You?'

We don't like to be controlled. However, we will be controlled either by our sinful nature or by the Spirit of God. There are no middle options (Ephesians 2:1-3; Romans 6). While politically incorrect, deep in the core of our souls we know it's true. The things that Satan entices us to think of as freedom invariably end up damaging us, our relationships, and our future. They enslave us to addictive processes, systems, and habits. We are sucked into the vortex of sin's power: Our thoughts are increasingly controlled by sin's enslaving lifestyle. The Spirit, however, frees us from this bondage. The Spirit gives us the power to live with freedom, enjoying a life full of his fruit — love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). And our role? First, we must choose to actively seek the Spirit's influence over our will. Second, we must commit to responding to his lead in what we think and do (Galatians 5:25). When we look at our lives, do we see our thoughts and actions dominated by the sinful nature or by the Spirit? If the sinful nature is dominating us, it's time to go back and focus on our role of seeking the Spirit and responding to his lead!