
Galatians 5:16 NLT – So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves.
As followers of Jesus we live in the world with all of its temptations. There are so many things around us that tempt us to sin and go against our desire to follow Jesus. In Galatians 5:16 the Apostle Paul reminds us that is comes down to a choice – following our sinful nature or allowing the Holy Spirit to guide our lives.
When we accept Jesus as our Lord and Saviour, the Holy Spirit takes up residence in us. It is the Spirit whom gives us power to be God’s witness (Acts 1:8), to display the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23), and changes us to be more like Christ each day (2 Corinthians 3:18). It is the same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead (Romans 8:11).
If we are wanting to live a life that honours God, it makes sense to allow the Holy Spirit to guide our lives. Not only does God expect us to live godly lives, but He gives us the Spirit to enable us to do it. He does not expect us to do this in our own strength, but in the His strength!
If you desire the Holy Spirit to guide your life, you can pray the prayer below…
Prayer
Holy Spirit, I desire in my heart to be a true follower of Jesus. Come and fill me afresh with Your love, peace and presence. Holy Spirit I ask You to guide my life. Give me wisdom, strength and help when I am faced with the temptations of the world. Guide me and lead me along the path of righteousness. Holy Spirit I submit myself to You afresh. Change my heart and change my life, so I will reflect the image of Jesus to those around me. Amen