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The Soul and the Spirit – Day 16

Romans 8:5

Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.

The Thought

The greatest part of the freedom that God gives us through His Spirit is the freedom of choice.

Once we are adults we choose the way we live our lives. It is our own personal decision. Whether we make good or bad choices depends on what has affected us before that time; a happy or difficult childhood, faithful friends or not, a Christian education or no religious instruction.

The sinful nature referred to in this verse is what many would identify today as the soul, and often there is a battle to be fought between the spirit and the soul so that the right choices can be made.

We can read of this option in a part of Moses’ long farewell speech to the people he had led through the wilderness for 40 years. See I set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live (Deuteronomy 30:19).

God’s message has never changed! Paul discusses this choice using himself as an example in Romans 7:14-25, and concludes that Jesus is the only answer to the problem. Paul could make the right choices because he understood the choice which Jesus had made for him.

Action

Praise Jesus that He chose death so that you and I could have life, and in His eyes you are equal to St. Paul and everyone else who chooses to follow Him.

Read Deuteronomy 30 and praise God that His message has never changed.

Pray for yourself, and those you care for, to choose LIFE today and every day.

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