Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are…sorcery, hatred, jealousies…. Galatians 5:19 (NKJV)
When reading today’s verse, you might think of sorcery as casting spells, but let’s look at it another way. Its purpose is to try to dominate the will of another person. Most people aren’t interested in casting spells or seeking the help of spirits, but many of us would have to admit we’ve tried to control or manipulate people for our own gain. When we become oppressive and manipulative, whether it’s with our kids, spouse, or friends, we unknowingly move into enemy territory as we try to control the people around us. We move away from Christ-likeness, because Jesus refused to dominate anyone. He loved, accepted and honoured people, but He never touched their free will.
As parents, we want to teach our kids how to love and respect others, not show traits of the flesh like hatred, anger, and jealousy. We want the same in our marriages, friendships and with co-workers.
If this is something you struggle with, recognize its time to make a change. Galatians 5:16 tells us to “walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh”. How do we walk in the Spirit? Romans 12:2 answers, by being “transformed by the renewing of your mind.”
Now, transformation is not just a small change. It’s a life-changing, internal revolution! Our minds become renewed by taking in God’s Word and pouring it into our hearts until everything in our world begins to be transformed by the power of it.
The old domineering desires slowly starve away when they’re no longer fed by an unrenewed mind. A mind continually refreshed in Christ will feed the growth of the beautiful fruit of the Spirit instead!