'Will my flesh rule this moment, or my spirit?'

The way we react to certain things is so important that we need to look at it, time and time again. We can either react in a way that creates a great atmosphere or react in a way that keeps things calm. However, I believe that it is a life long practice, one in which we have to be on guard day and night.
One never knows from one moment to the next what we're going to be faced with. Therefore, that is why it is so important to start the day by having a 'Quiet time' - reading the bible and praying, also ensuring that we are equipped with the Armour of God. (See a previous message).

Psalm 37:8 says, "Cease from anger and forsake wrath. Do not fret, it only causes harm"

I love what RT Kendall says, 'Will my flesh rule this moment, or my spirit?' In other words, how are we going to react to a certain obstacle in our lives. We can either look at it in a suspicious and angry manner, which will obviously shatter any peace that existed; or react in a way that brings about peace and integrity. Don't get me wrong, I know this isn't easy. Some people have to go into therapy and undergo Cognitive Behavioural Therapy to help them with their thoughts and actions. This is very successful as it helps people to sort out why they did a certain thing or why this was said and how could it have been done better. If you have been referred for this, keep at it as it will help.

However, from a Christian point of view, as we read about the great people in  the bible we often see that many were angry, depressed and wanting to pack it all in. Some, like Peter were prone to a quick temper at times and could be outspoken. At one stage in the Garden of Gethsemane he cut off someone's ear with a sword. You may not have gone that far but you may identify with this reading.

What are your reactions like? I'll be honest, mine are not good at times and I have to work at how I handle myself. God knows this. He knows how we are. He created us and gave His life for us and He puts up with us daily - thank God. But at times, we need to let Him help us sort stuff out. We need to be honest, He knows about how we react anyway. As we offer ourselves to Him, asking for His help, He will teach us to learn how to react differently. How to change how we think (Romans 12:2), and begin to help us to be free from making a mess of things on a frequent basis.

It can start with allowing time each day to spend in God's Word, spending time with Him and learning be more like Him.
Give it a try and before long, you will be allowing your spirit to rule, not your flesh.