Episode 543

TODAY’S READING:
16 So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other so that you are not to do whatever you want.
Galatians 5:16-17

Can I admit something? This week was hard. I have come to realize that when something happens, it usually results in two very strong emotions. Anger, or Celebration. So this prayer is for us all, no matter which way your emotions led you this week.

Anger and celebration are emotions that can be felt internally and also expressed externally. Make no mistake, your external expression of your emotions is a personal choice, and the world is not owed your external view on a certain situation.

I saw a post from the left that read, silence is ignorance. I read a post from the right that said pastors who are quiet are like wolves in sheep clothing.

I think both statements are incorrect. Those who may be silent do not owe the world an explanation. Maybe you are silent; you do not owe the world your external expression of your emotion.

As we know, our deeds trump our words. It all comes down to what we do, not just what we say. Maybe someone stays silent but calls their representatives endlessly. Maybe a Pastor stays quiet as a way to express grace to those who oppose their beliefs.

I think in all cases, we can point to the Bible for instruction. In this verse, we can see the answer when our flesh becomes the leading voice. The answer is simple, walk by the spirit.

Although the sentence is simple, walking by the Spirit isn’t always the easiest walk. The good thing is that God gives us strength.

May we be a community that always walks by the Spirit. May He lead us in every conversation, every writing, every action we take. It is only then that the desires of our flesh will not be gratified.

PRAYER:
Father, heal our lands. Heal our hearts. Help us in getting through this day. Help us in seeing what is right in front of us—you, father. You are right there, and we ask that your Spirit lead us and guide us through every situation. We do not want to be people that react from our flesh but ones that look to your word for direction, guidance, and instruction. Today we obey by allowing the Spirit to lead us. We thank you for this blessed day, AMEN.