Devotional Day 17

Day 17

Our own spirit needs to maintain balance for our soul's health. It needs to be neither too strong nor too weak. When our will is driven by our spirit, strong and filled with the Holy Spirit from the inside out, we then are able to direct our souls and keep it in its proper position. Only then can we direct our soul (mind emotions).

Otherwise, the soul will remain in control and dominate our spirit. The result of this condition is devastating to all of us. The scriptures state, "A man without self-control is like a city broken down and left without walls." Self-control is a fruit or evidence of a Holy Spirit driven life.

When Paul, the apostle, finally was able to talk to Governor Felix, he chose to speak about self-control. The reason was that a governor would need to know about self-control. Leaders can not become leaders without self-control. Felix knew this. Paul was trying to reach the governor on familiar ground. Today, many of our leaders don't have self-control, and we have seen the demise of many. Felix left Paul and never came back. Even though he was a governor, he was unsuccessful. When Paul spoke about self-control, Felix knew he lacked this character trait.

Ask the Holy Spirit to show you when and where you are lacking self-control. Ask Him to empower your will so that your spirit can control your mind and emotions.