In Galatians, Paul writes to believers who were confused and thought that following the law was the only way to be right with God. Instead, they should rely on grace through faith and the freedom that Christ gives. But that freedom doesn't mean you can do whatever you want; you are either following the Spirit or giving in to the flesh.

Sexual immorality, idolatry, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, divisions, envy, drunkenness, and more are all clear examples of "works of the flesh." They hurt purity, make it harder to control oneself, and ruin relationships. Whether they show up as secret sin, a hidden online life, or constant conflict with others. One might call it their personality, stress relief, or "just how they're wired," but the Bible calls it your flesh at work. Paul warns that people who live this way have begun their journey of walking further away from God.

So, what do you do? Well, you have to act like this is warfare, because it is. You can't walk in the Spirit and be closer to God and give in to the flesh at the same time. Begin to take action: block off those access points, delete that app, change your habits, tell a trusted brother, and ask for help. At the same time, pray, read the Bible, and spend time in God's presence every day to lean into His true freedom. Following these steps will bring you closer to God, and he will give you the strength to fight through those desires.

You don't have to do this on your own. The same God who saved you by grace has given you His Spirit so you can fight this, one step at a time. If you are a follower of Christ, you are not alone in this fight.

Frank Wible,

Men Building Faith