There is a struggle for your soul and spirit. This struggle is often internal but can be external. In this present culture the world teaches to live life on your terms. It does not matter what anyone thinks. All that matters is what makes you happy. This line of thought is contrary to the will of God as revealed in His written word. God’s word teaches us that we are blessed when we do not follow the world and all that it is tempting us with.
Where do your thoughts reside? Are they striving to get as far as you can in life at the expense of your internal peace? Are you driven and anxious? Do you have peace and contentment?
Romans 8:5-9 New American Standard Bible 1995 “5 For those who are according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. 6 For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace, 7 because the mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God; for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for it is not even able to do so, 8 and those who are in the flesh cannot please God. 9 However, you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. But if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him.”
One must ask what is the flesh and its deeds?
Galatians 5:19-23 New American Standard Bible 1995 “19 Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, 20 idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, 21 envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.”
Do you live according to the flesh or Spirit?
Romans 8:13-4 New American Standard Bible 1995
“13 for if you are living according to the flesh, you [must die; but if by the Spirit you are putting to death the deeds of the body, you will live. 14 For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.”
This does not happen instantly but is a gradual process as you live and grow in the Spirit. God is patient. . But He expect us to try to keep ourselves from evil.
1st John 2:15-17 New American Standard Bible 1995
15 Do not love the world nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world. 17 The world is passing away, and also its lusts; but the one who does the will of God lives forever.