It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life.
John 6:63
We are being pulled in opposite directions. Our flesh is magnetized to sin. It pulls, draws, and entices us. The Holy Spirit dwelling inside Christians is magnetized to holiness. While the war within may leave us exhausted and overwhelmed, this simple truth can transform our perspective on the tension we feel: The Holy Spirit has come to set us free.
Sin, although still as enticing as the forbidden fruit Eve ate, ensnares and enslaves us. A seemingly small sin leaves our souls constricted and heavy. When we choose sin, we are building a prison for ourselves.
When we follow the gentle prodding of the Holy Spirit, we are set free from our prison and sin begins to lose its hold on us. Only the power of the Holy Spirit can equip us to withstand sin and can transform us. As we learn to depend on and accept the Holy Spirit's guidance, we experience the joy of living a Spirit-filled life.