Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like, of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance; against such there is no law. And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. (Galatians 5:19-25)

The value of the Holy Spirit within our quest for a disciplined life cannot be overstated. In our scripture reading, He is shown to be the origin of our fruit-bearing capacity. His fruits are expressed to allow us to live a disciplined life, with self-control shining as a fundamental characteristic. This will enable us to govern our behavior and keep our desires in order.

As human beings, we are confronted with all manner of inordinate desires, such as sexual immorality, impurity, lustful desires, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, quarreling, jealousy, fits of anger, selfishness, factions, envy, drunkenness, and orgies. We all battle with some of these desires. When we let them dominate our lives, discipline appears impossible to achieve.

Yet the Bible does offer hope, portraying a life where we can overcome such excesses. This victorious life is achievable through the Holy Spirit, who empowers us to bear the fruit of self-control, whereby we can overcome our fleshly appetites and live in a manner pleasing to Him.

Thus, our desire to live disciplined lives remains unrealised without the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Let us cultivate a profound intimacy with Him and pray for the strength necessary to bear fruit and be an example of discipline.

Prayer/Confession

Holy Spirit, I come to You with a humble spirit, acknowledging my frailties and the weight of my problems. I bear my faults on myself, and I require Your infinite power to envelop me. In times of doubt and apprehension, I sincerely request Your help to elevate my spirit and enlighten me. I ask you to help me with my issues and give me the support and guidance I need so that I can finish this journey with courage and compassion.

Written by: Pst. Jerry Afari Koranteng