As I sit and think about the different challenges people face every day, I am reminded of something we all have in common: we are fleshly beings living in a world that constantly pulls on us. No matter how strong we may appear, every one of us understands what it feels like to wrestle with thoughts, desires, emotions, habits, and pressures that do not always line up with the will of God.
The Apostle Paul described this struggle so honestly when he wrote, “For I know that in me, that is, in my flesh, nothing good dwells” (Romans 7:18). That is a sobering statement, but it is also freeing. It reminds us that the problem is not simply that we need to try harder in our own strength. The deeper issue is that our flesh, apart from God, will always lean away from what is holy, pure, and pleasing to Him.
That is why we often feel a push and pull happening within us. Our flesh wants comfort, control, recognition, retaliation, or instant satisfaction. But our spirit, awakened by God, longs for obedience, peace, patience, humility, and surrender. Galatians 5:17 says, “For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another.” In other words, the tension we feel is real. The battle is real.
But here is the good news: those who are in Christ are not fighting this battle alone. Jesus promised that the Father would send another Helper, the Holy Spirit, to abide with us and be in us (John 14:16–17). That means God has not left us to figure life out by ourselves. He has given us His Spirit to guide us, convict us, strengthen us, comfort us, and remind us of truth.
Romans 8:9 tells us that if anyone belongs to Christ, the Spirit of God dwells in them. What a powerful reminder. We may still live in human bodies with real weaknesses, but we are no longer governed by the flesh. Through Christ, we have access to a different power, a different wisdom, and a different way of living.
This does not mean we will never struggle. It means we do not have to be ruled by the struggle. When we are weak, the Spirit helps us in our weakness (Romans 8:26). When we are unsure, the Spirit leads us (Romans 8:14). When we feel discouraged, the Spirit bears witness that we are children of God (Romans 8:16). And as we continue to walk with Him, He produces fruit in our lives that our flesh could never produce on its own: love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22–23).
In simple terms, walking by the Spirit means choosing God’s way instead of our own way. It means listening for the Holy Spirit’s guidance, asking for His help, and allowing Him to shape our thoughts, words, and actions. The flesh pulls us toward sin, selfishness, pride, anger, and quick satisfaction. But the Spirit leads us toward love, peace, patience, forgiveness, self-control, and obedience to God.
The battle does not mean we are failing. It means we are aware that two desires are fighting inside us. One desire wants to please ourselves, and the other wants to please God. The Holy Spirit helps us say no to what is wrong and yes to what is right. We may not win every battle perfectly, but we can keep growing as we depend on God each day.
So today, if you feel that inward pull between what your flesh wants and what God is calling you to, do not be discouraged. That awareness can be evidence that the Spirit is at work in you. Keep surrendering. Keep praying. Keep returning to the Word. Keep walking by the Spirit, because Scripture promises, “Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh” (Galatians 5:16).
Personal Reflection: When I look at my own life, I can see times when my flesh wanted to respond quickly, hold on to hurt, or do things my own way. But I have also seen how the Holy Spirit gently corrects me and invites me to slow down, pray, and choose a better response. Walking by the Spirit is not always easy, but it brings peace. It reminds me that I do not have to depend on my own strength. God is patient with me, and He continues to help me grow.
We are fleshly beings, yes—but for those who are in Christ, we are also Spirit-filled believers. And that makes all the difference.
Minister A Francine Green, August 2026