Galatians 5:16-26
(Use the link below to read the verses.)
A grandfather is talking with his grandson and he
says there are two wolves inside of us which are always at war with each
other. One of them is a good wolf which represents things like kindness,
bravery and love. The other is a bad wolf, which represents things like greed,
hatred and fear.
The grandson stops and thinks about it for a second
then he looks up at his grandfather and says, “Grandfather, which one
wins?” The grandfather quietly replies, “The one you feed”.
The
source of this story has been attributed to the Cherokee Indians, as well as
Billy Graham and George Bernard Shaw. Though no one knows for sure where it
originated, an argument could be made that Paul inspired it.
17 The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite
of what the Spirit
wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite
of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting
each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions. NLT
You
don’t have to be an addict to have firsthand experience of this inner battle. Think
about it the next time another driver cuts you off in traffic; or the
contractor you hired doesn’t show up to do the work you paid for; or your
insurance company seems more interested in saving money than paying for a
claim. The list is endless.
Speaking
of lists, Paul made two of them in this passage. One is what our flesh desires,
and the other what God’s Spirit desires. How do we go about winning the battle?
What can we do to feed the good wolf?
24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and
desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. 25 Since
we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part
of our lives. NLT
This
is not a onetime big decision, but a lifetime of small decisions that move us
forward
into the light of following the Spirit and not backwards into the
darkness of our flesh.
Which
wolf will you feed? What fruit will you grow? Will you live by the Spirit?
(If
God has spoken to you through this devotional, please feel free to share it
with others.)
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