Flesh vs. Spirit

Life is one giant tug-of-war between what feels good in the moment and what’s actually good for your soul. When Paul wrote this letter to the Galatians, he was addressing a group of people who were struggling to live out their faith. They were caught between legalistic rules and the temptation to give in to their sinful desires. Paul cuts through the noise by pointing out the root issue: the flesh and the Spirit are in constant conflict.

The “flesh” Paul talks about isn’t just your physical body—it’s your old sinful nature. It’s the part of you that craves selfishness, lust, pride, and instant gratification. On the other hand, the Holy Spirit, who lives inside every believer, is pulling you toward holiness, selflessness, humility, and obedience to God. This conflict doesn’t mean you’re a bad Christian; it means you’re in the fight of your life.

But here’s the thing: you can’t win this battle by sheer willpower. If you’ve ever tried to overcome sin on your own, you know how exhausting and defeating it can be. That’s because the flesh is stronger than your resolve. The Spirit, however, is stronger than the flesh—and when you rely on Him, you don’t have to lose the battle.

The Galatians lived in a world where pagan practices were common, and moral boundaries were blurry at best. They were surrounded by temptations, from idol worship to indulgent lifestyles. Paul’s teaching about the flesh and the Spirit was radical because it called for them to reject both the legalism of the Jewish law and the lawlessness of their surrounding culture.

Think about the last time you gave in to something you knew was wrong. What was driving your decision? Was it the desire to please yourself or to follow God? Today, start by identifying one area where you feel the pull of the flesh (like scrolling too long on social media or gossiping with friends). Ask the Holy Spirit to help you recognize His voice in those moments and choose His way instead of your own.