City Life Starter

I. THE WORD:

“Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh” – Galatians 5:16

REFLECTION QUESTIONS
1. When you see something you like, how does it make you feel?
2. When you see something you want to spend money on or save money for, what is the end goal of that product?
3. If the Holy Spirit were to examine your budget and finances, would He say, “You did that because of me.”?

Paul is addressing the churches in southern Galatia, and the book of Galatians is a charter of Christian freedom. Paul wants them to understand the reality of our liberty in Christ, and that the law is not what binds us. He is implying in this one verse that it is not by keeping the law that you are able to resist the flesh, but by allowing the Holy Spirit to dwell within you and lead you.

Now, I know that third question was kind of silly, but it’s real. It’s important to ask yourself what drives you to make the choices you make with your money. For instance, your flesh would tell you to buy the new iPhone X for $1000, but you’re in debt, a slave to some other lender you don’t even know the name of and are delinquent on payments. Or, your flesh would tell you not to pay tithes because you want to save that few hundred dollars for that nice steak dinner you’re thinking about having with the woman you’re shacking up with because you are driven by lust. These types of things are examples of us walking by the flesh and not the Spirit.

You may ask what does it mean to walk by the Spirit, and that’s the exact place to start. You’ll also need to ask what does it mean to walk by the flesh. Another great question. Fortunately, the Bible gives us a list of both qualities.

WALKING BY THE FLESH: The results are clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, drunkenness, wild parties (orgies), and other sins like these. Now, if you’re motivated by the flesh, you’ll find yourself using your finances to
cater to these things. For example, if you’re jealous of what somebody else has, you’ll want to use your finances to obtain that or something better, or something else to make you feel better.

WALKING BY THE SPIRIT: The results are clear: Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. If you’re driven by the Holy Spirit, you’ll find yourself using your finances that reflect and demonstrate this fruit.

If your desire is to have the qualities listed from walking by the spirit, then you know that the Holy Spirit is leading you. At the same time, be careful not confuse your subjective feelings with the Spirit’s leading. Being led by the Holy Spirit involves the desire to hear, the readiness to obey God’s word, and the sensitivity to discern between your feelings and the Holy Spirit’s promptings. Live each day controlled and guided by the Holy Spirit. Then the words of Christ will be in your mind and will have permeated your finances, checkbook, and bank accounts. The love of Christ will be behind your actions, purchases, savings, and even the way you obtain money. The power of the Holy Spirit will help you control your selfish desires and not be self-centered with your money.

PRAYER

Lord, it is my desire to live a life completely surrendered and captured by the Holy Spirit. Not just with my finances, but with every resource you have granted me authority over. Help me to acknowledge you daily, to listen fervently, and receive you openly. In Jesus’ Name, Amen!