Good morning, our dear reader. We hope you have a wonderful day today. Let the reflections of our daily devotional for February 12 on the principle of soul over flesh make sense today – a reminder that our true essence and guidance should come from a soul aligned with God’s will, not our physical desires.
Daily Devotional for February 12
“For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want.” (Galatians 5:17)
Soul Over Flesh
We are a wonderful creation of God. We, as humans, consist of two parts – the material body and the divine soul. When these two parts come together, it is called a personality.
And God, the Creator, has foreseen that the human personality will be guided not by the body but by the soul. However, one must always be awake and aware so that our soul, our mind, dominates.
Because often the opposite happens: a person becomes numb and drifts along, carried by blind and unintelligible body emotions and passionate instincts. And this usually chooses the easiest path and the path that provides pleasure, which often does not correspond to the Creator’s will.
A remarkable passage from the apostle Paul on this: “For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing.” (full text at Romans 7:18-25)
If you want to do God’s will in this life, the flesh – the selfish, rebellious, and sinful nature – must die. It must lose its power.
The Dominance of the Soul
God’s design for you is a life guided by the soul’s wisdom and insight, reflecting His image and purposes. When you allow your soul, imbued with God’s Spirit, to lead, your life aligns more closely with the Creator’s intentions.
The Lure of the Flesh
It’s easy to be swayed by the flesh’s immediate and often selfish desires. These impulses might promise short-term pleasure but often lead away from true fulfillment and the path God has set for you.
Cultivating Spiritual Vigilance
Staying spiritually awake and aware is crucial. It involves nurturing your soul through prayer, Scripture, and communion with God, ensuring that your spiritual senses are sharp and your soul’s voice is clear.
Internal Struggle
Denying the flesh isn’t about self-punishment but about liberation from its tyranny. As you learn to deny the flesh and depend on God, you invite His Spirit to mold your character and guide your decisions.
Devotional for every day here: Daily Devotional
Prayer for Today
Father, I seek Your strength to choose soul over flesh. Please help me to recognize and overcome the sinful thoughts and desires that war against my spirit. I depend on You, Lord, to cultivate Your character within me, turning away from the flesh’s lure to embrace the life You’ve envisioned for me. In Jesus’ name, I commit to walking by the Spirit, allowing my soul, guided by Your love and truth, to lead my path. Amen.
To You
Where do you feel the struggle between soul and flesh most acutely in your life? How can you strengthen your soul’s voice to ensure it guides your choices and actions?
Let the principle of soul over flesh guide you today. In each decision and challenge, remember that your true strength and direction come from aligning with God’s Spirit, letting your soul, not your flesh, lead the way. Amen.
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