Choosing The Narrow Path

Post one of Choosing Fruit Over Flesh

In a world driven by emotion, where personal desires and justifications often take precedence, the concept of controlling our behaviors through the power of the Holy Spirit can be a challenging yet rewarding journey.

It’s a journey of intentional choice, and one of obedience to God, often when it’s the difficult thing to do. To choose grace, joy, patience, or self control in a situation of intense emotion or feeling is not just difficult to do, it goes against the natural inclination of our flesh.

However, as Christians, we are called to bear fruit, and our actions should be a testament to the spirit that dwells within us. There is a distinction between the fruit of the Spirit and the fruit of the flesh. Our lives will reflect one or the other. We, as image bearers of Christ, should choose to bear good fruit, even when it is difficult or contrary to our own emotions or desires.

We are not asked to walk the narrow path alone. The Holy Spirit is God’s divine presence within us, empowering us to navigate the complexities of life with wisdom and grace. When we allow the Holy Spirit to work in us, our lives naturally begin to reflect Galatians 5:22-23: "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control."

Through the Holy Spirit, we can experience these qualities even when our human emotions might pull us in a different direction.

Our human nature often drives us towards selfish desires, justifications, and rationalizations. We may feel entitled to certain actions or behaviors due to life's challenges, but as followers of Christ, we are called to a higher standard. Galatians 5:19-21 warns against the works of the flesh: "The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions, and envy." These are the paths we should avoid, no matter how strongly our emotions may urge us otherwise.

The Christian journey often requires us to "die to the flesh," letting go of worldly desires and self-indulgence. Romans 8:13: "For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live." This means consciously choosing to crucify our own desires in favor of what aligns with God's word.

Walking the narrow path, as mentioned in Matthew 7:13-14 is peculiar to the world. It requires a deliberate decision to follow the teachings of Christ, even when it goes against the prevailing norms and emotions of society. "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it."

As Christians, we are called to rise above our emotions, choosing the fruit of the Spirit over the fruit of the flesh. Through the power of the Holy Spirit and by walking the narrow path, we can be known by the fruit we produce. Our actions should be a reflection of Christ who dwells in us, shaping and transforming us into individuals who exemplify love, joy, peace, and self-control, even in the face of worldly temptations and emotions.

Stay tuned for part two!

~Jess