Galatians 5:16-17 “So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.  For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh.” 

I love watching golf!  It is amazing to watch someone so masterful at their craft dominate a challenging course!  And I play just enough golf to realize how amazing tour pros really are!  One of the things that always surprises me is just how much work these players put into their game.  No one ever just walks out onto a course and hits a ball like a tour pro; it takes hours of private dedication and discipline to get there. 

The same is true when it comes to our faith.  Often, we become focused on great moments of faith but forget the private dedication it takes to be led by the Spirit.  In Galatians 5, we see that a private life that is self-led won’t give us a public life that is Spirit-led.  Life by the Spirit begins with making Jesus Lord and choosing to live by the Spirit.  And when we die to self, the Spirit brings life to those around us.  Ultimately, surrendering to the Spirit brings us the perspective of heaven. 

How about you?  Are you self-led or led by the Holy Spirit?  Is there any part of your private life that is not surrendered to God?  Are you still trying to lead yourself, or have you made Jesus Lord?

Take a few moments to read and reflect on Galatians 5:13-18, and ask yourself who is leading you?  Let the Lord lead you in the private moments when no one is looking, and he will change the bigger moments as well!

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