If I have any Calvinist readers, I’ve already lost them with the title, but too many people blame their behavior on Satan, friends, and sometimes God, while the fact is that people often choose to give in to their flesh instead of taking the way of escape that God offers (1 Corinthians 10:13).

In Joshua 24:15, Joshua tells the people to choose whom they were going to serve, whether God or Satan. He went on to declare, “As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.”

Everyone has different temptations, trials, etc., and there are things that we have no control over. But we can control how we respond to those things. Just because the door to temptation opens wide for you does not mean that you have to walk through it. Just because you are discouraged and depressed does not mean that you have to stay there. You may be in pain, but you do not need to be irritable with those around you. The Holy Spirit will help you to walk through those things victoriously if you but stay close to Him and allow Him to do so. You may think you have a “right” to act the way you do, and maybe you do, but that doesn’t make it right. The Bible should be our guide, not other people and not circumstances.

In everything you do this week, ask yourself, “Is this the flesh or the Spirit?” Study the Word so that you know how to better differentiate the two. If you have gotten into some sinful habits that you find difficult to break, find someone who is strong in the Spirit and ask them to be your accountability partner and to help you break that addiction so that you can live victoriously. Overcoming the flesh isn’t easy, but it is possible with the help of the Holy Spirit. Cry out for that help today and enjoy a life of victory!