16 I say then, walk by the Spirit and you will certainly not carry out the desire of the flesh. 17 For the flesh desires what is against the Spirit, and the Spirit desires what is against the flesh; these are opposed to each other, so that you don’t do what you want. (Galatians 5:16-17 CSB)

Following our fleshly desires is the easiest thing in the world. In fact it is exactly what the world, and the ruler of this world our enemy, wants of us. Just go with your feelings. Do what you want, what feels good. Satisfy that desire you have, you deserve it!

But that is not the way we have been called to. That is not the way of the Spirit.

The Spirit will have us take a different path that is typically contrary to the worlds direction. When we walk by the Spirit, life may not be easier, but we are filled. We are Spirit filled and nothing can shake us. Even though everything around us may be in turmoil, we are calm and lifted up by the Spirit.

It is only when we let the world in to compete with the Spirit that we feel the fight within and without.