Walking in Truth
Rodney Nantz
“But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh.”
Galatians 5:16 NASBS
One of the greatest joys in the Christian’s life is when the desires of the world are under his feet, and he has exalted Christ to be Lord of His life. When I say Lord of his life, I am referring to every word, every deed, and every thought that is strained through the Bible and tested against holy scripture. We must never forget the heart is very deceitful, and can easily be led astray, for in this life the flesh will oppose the truth of God’s word. This is a battle that we must be ready to engage in. The word of God tells us, “But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another so that you may not do the things that you please.” Therefore, we must die daily to the inward corruptions and fleshly impulses that seek to destroy our communion with Christ Jesus. If we are not alert and guarding our hearts, these inordinate desires will invade our souls and begin to rival the truth of God’s word that has been wrought in our hearts by the working of the Spirit. They will come upon us when least expected and lead us into the valley of discontentment, where inward peace is lost for a season.
So Christian, be aware and let the children of iniquity take the riches, the honors, and the pleasures of this perishing world. Let them grasp them in their hands and clasp them to their hearts if they can, but lo, instead of finding hope and fulfillment, they will only find judgment at the end of this age. Oh, but let your battle cry be, “I have found a once crucified, now risen and ascended Savior. He has possession of my heart, and He dwells there by faith; He is to me the hope of glory, the Alpha and the Omega, my redeemer and deliverer, and Him alone will I serve.” Yes, the glorious rays of the Son of righteousness expose the corruption that lingers in my heart, bring me to repentance, and strengthen me to overcome them. “Oh God of heaven, may your grace go before me in all I do. Let not the fleeting desires of this world take custody of my heart, but let my meditations often visit the cross, where I was bought with a high cost. Let me see your only- begotten Son, Jesus, hanging on the tree, propitiating your anger that was once turned towards me. Let me hear the agony of His groans as his frail body shook with pain on my behalf. My God and King, never let me forget so that I may follow in His footsteps, picking up my cross daily and yielding all of my desires to the obedience of your word.” Remember saints of God, gracious souls are never perfectly at ease except when they are in a state of nearness to Christ, and when they are away from Him, they lose their peace.