Who's In Control: Your Body, Soul, or Spirit?
Recently, during a study of the body, soul, and Spirit, I began to reflect upon the different outcomes that can occur depending upon which of the three characteristics is ruling and controlling your life. I want to share a personal story to explain the inner workings of the body, soul, and Spirit. Many years ago, the Lord began to deal with me regarding my temper. I was easily angered, and the results were often consequential. As I matured in Christ, I knew I had to make some changes. My explosive rage often happened when someone lied on me or accused me of something I did not do. I prided myself on demonstrating good character; however, during these times, when I felt misrepresented, I would fly off the handle and my anger would escalate from 1 to 100 in sixty seconds. My emotions were controlling me, and my flesh (body) was out of control.
Galatians 5:17 (AMPC)
17For the desires of the flesh are opposed to the [Holy] Spirit, and the [desires of the] Spirit are opposed to the flesh (godless human nature); for these are antagonistic to each other [continually withstanding and in conflict with each other], so that you are not free but are prevented from doing what you desire to do.
Realizing that these types of outbursts would not get me far, were not a good look, and would never be an example that could draw anyone to Christ, I knew I had much work to do to achieve the goal of being a light for Christ. So, I decided to put some safeguards in place so that if I started to respond angrily, the results of my explosive behavior would cause minimal damage. I still wanted to be in control of expressing my dissatisfaction by letting the people who lied on me and those who misrepresented me know how I felt, by giving them a stern rebuke. I had a well thought out plan, and sometimes the plan worked. Other times, I reverted to previous behavior, resulting in a very fleshly response. I operated from a soul (mind, will, and emotions) level. My mind knew what the correct response should be; however, my will, and my desire, was to do it my way. I still wanted to verbally accost the person on the receiving end. I did not like the feelings that the negative words invoked inside of me; because of the feelings, I wanted to retaliate. I could identify with the anguish David felt in Psalms 42:11.
Psalms 42:11 (AMPC)
11Why are you cast down, O my inner self? And why should you moan over me and be disquieted within me? Hope in God and wait expectantly for Him, for I shall yet praise Him, Who is the help of my countenance, and my God.
After many years of trying to do things my way and much defeat, I realized that there was a more excellent way to respond regarding those who lied on me or communicated about me from a negative perspective. I needed to be transformed and controlled by the Spirit. The Spirit of God, which dwells within me, could handle the gossip, slander, and opinions others had of me. However, during this season of maturing, I also became convicted when I was at fault. Because I was now allowing the Spirit of God to oversee my actions, words, and emotions, conviction led to repentance. When the assumptions and slanderous statements hurt me, I learned to cast my cares upon the Lord. I allowed Him to fight my battles. Instead of my emotions ruling me, I learned to put my faith and trust in the Lord. I learned that staying in the Spirit meant I would need to develop a life of intimacy with Christ. Sometimes, it also meant that my offenders would be accusatory for a long time before I experienced relief. I began to operate from the Spirit that dwelled in me. Understanding how to dwell in the Spirit of God has not been an easy journey, but it has been beneficial. This journey has taught me to be of NO REPUTATION. It has caused me to examine myself daily and recognize that without the transforming power of Christ, my righteousness is as filthy rags.
Philippians 2:7-8 (NKJV)
7but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. 8And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.
Isaiah 64:6 (AMPC)
6For we have all become like one who is unclean [ceremonially, like a leper], and all our righteousness (our best deeds of rightness and justice) is like filthy rags or a polluted garment; we all fade like a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, take us away [far from God's favor, hurrying us toward destruction].
Is the Lord calling you to deeper intimacy, to walk in the Spirit, to put your trust completely in him, allowing him to fight your battles? Are you ready to allow him to be in charge in every area of your life? WHO'S IN CONTROL OF YOUR LIFE? IS IT YOUR BODY (FLESH), YOUR SOUL (MIND, WILL, AND EMOTIONS), OR YOUR SPIRIT (HOLY SPIRIT).
THROUGH GOD'S GRACE.
DR. MALLORY GARY