My mother shared the coolest analogy with me the other day. She had me think of a seesaw(see above picture), then she explained to me that on one end is our body (the flesh). The other end is where our spirit resides, and if we have asked God into our hearts this is where His spirit also lives. The middle of the seesaw is where our soul stays (Our minds - this is the decision making area).
If you have been a christian for any length of time, you know that there is a real battle going on between our body and our spirit. As a matter of fact, we can see this fact in Galations 5:16-18: "What I say is this: let the Spirit direct your lives, and you will not satisfy the desires of the human nature. For what our human nature wants is opposed to what the Spirit wants, and what the Spirit wants is opposed to what our human nature wants. These two are enemies, and this means that you cannot do what you want to do. If the Spirit leads you, then you are not subject to the Law."
We also have actual examples from characters in the Bible. Paul is the one that comes to my mind. In Romans 7:15 we read, "I do not understand what I do; for I don't do what I would like to do, but instead I do what I hate."
Paul doesn't stay in this sad affair, though. He goes on to tell that because of what Jesus did for us on the cross, we have redemption from sin. Now we have a real choice to make. According to Romans 8:5 "Those who live as their human nature tells them to, have their minds controlled by what human nature wants. Those who live as the Spirit tells them to, have their minds controlled by what the Spirit wants."
The key - learn to walk in the spirit. This is easier said than done. Life is busy and we can get so cought up in everyday life that we don't spend time in the word of God except first thing in the morning (if at all). If we are serious about winning this battle and having our seesaw leaning in the right direction, we also must decide to stay in the word and pray constantly.
Transforming our minds isn't going to be an instantaneous thing. This is something that is going to take time and perseverance. So press on my friends for the end result is well worth it!
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21 comments:
Good Morning Sonya,
I have been reading this passage from Galations over the Thanksgiving holidays. Living in Spirit and Walking in the Spirit. The see saw is a good picture of our battle. The flesh is constantly trying to rise up in all of us. I don't like heights! :)
There's something dizzying about going up and down all the time. Plus, there's that occasional BUMP! when we hit rock bottom on the flesh (HA!).
Makes me wonder what it must feel to "hit bottom" on the spirit side, because it must feel very different.
Thanks for sharing Mom's analogy. And I like your writer tip column, too.
First of all, that's a brilliant analogy. I love word pictures that I can visualize or actually touch and feel. It makes things so much clearer.
Secondly, that is the very battle I was having yesterday and the very scripture the Lord gave me. I feel like I've said that at least ten times in your blog comments before. When it comes to God, I think you and I must be tuned in to the same channel.
Thanks so much for sharing this extremely helpful analogy.
Cute analogy! Walking in the Spirit IS a decision. I hope and pray that I am well-balanced enough through time in the Word and time in prayer that my end of the see-saw never hits bottom.
I like the analogy as well. I sometimes feel like it is just me going through the spirit and body struggle. I find that the closer I get to spiritual well being, the more violent the struggle is within me. That tells me that I am on the right path. Great post.
This is great encouragement! Thank you for this. I know I NEED His word all day long to keep going.
Hi Sonya,
Great analogy. Tell your Mom thanks.
This is a constant struggle. I am always trying to fit the word into my day when I really should be fitting my day into the word. It can be challenging.
Hi Sonya!
You hit a target with me. I'm so glad I stopped by.
I love your writing, and I'm thrilled for you that the Lord is using you this way. Is a homeschooling book in the works?
What a fine example you are for Moms who need a lift from the Lord.
Love, Debra
Beautiful post. Just like it tells us in Roman 12:2 that we are transformed by the renewing of our minds. We renew our minds by getting into the Word.
So when is your mom going to start blogging. LOL! I love your mom, she is the greatest. Thank you for sharing her lessons with us.
How well I know that ole battle Paul was talking about. So thankful we have victory in Christ!
Wow so true!! That is a great illustration!!...Hope you had a great Thanksgiving and you are doing well!!
Thankful for this encouraging message. Staying all day in the Word of God... not just in the morning. This speaks volumes to me!
That's an analogy that'll STICK!
I love it!
THANKS TO YOU BOTH FOR SHARING!!
Blessings,
Lea
I love this analogy Sonya. It reminded me of a conversation I had with someone tonight. I think we were on this seesaw.
Hi Sonya. I bless God for your mother's analogy and your willingness to share it with us. That was absolutely awesome!
I love things like this see-saw analogy--easy to remember and recall to my mind.
And, yes, we do struggle and hit bumps on our see-saw. I've had a lot of bumps and even been bumped off the see-saw. But, God used those times for learning and growth. And when I was bumped off--He was still there for me--I just didn't realize it at the time. I look back now and see how He was working in my life, providing for me--even when I was far from Him.
Our God is an awesome God!!
Beth
Great word picture. Seesaw..
I agree with you totally. The key is learning to walk in the spirit. Renewing our mind with the Word and praying without ceasing.
Hi Sonya,
Thanks so much for visiting my blog and for your sweet comment.
This is a great analogy... and so true. If I want the see-saw of my day to teeter the right direction at all... I have to make time for Him every morning. And He is greater than my flesh...
Thanks so much for sharing this with us. I'll be back.
Lynn
Amen, well said.
I agree so much with what you shared.
If you notice, my user name is seesaw faith, and the name of my blog is Focusd on the Center.
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