Living by the Spirit vs. Living by the Flesh: 8 Indicators You Should Know

Have you ever wondered what drives your daily choices, actions, and beliefs? Is it the spiritual calling to live by the Spirit or the earthly desires of living by the Flesh? The contrasting lifestyles of living by the Spirit and living by the Flesh can shape our faith and impact every aspect of our lives. But how can we discern which path we are following?

In this article, we will explore eight key indicators that distinguish living by the Spirit from living by the Flesh. These indicators will shed light on the different focuses, fruits, desires, decisions, relationships, peace, conviction, and growth that arise from these two opposing lifestyles. Prepare to discover new insights and challenge preconceived notions about what truly drives your faith and daily choices.

Bulletpoints:

• Living by the Spirit and living by the Flesh are two contrasting lifestyles that significantly impact our faith and daily choices.
• There are eight key indicators that can help us discern whether we are following the path of the Spirit or the path of the Flesh.
• These indicators include focus, fruits, desires, decisions, relationships, peace, conviction, and growth.
• Living by the Spirit produces positive outcomes such as love, joy, peace, and spiritual growth.
• Living by the Flesh leads to negative consequences such as immorality, strife, jealousy, and stagnation in our spiritual journey.

The Focus: Living by the Spirit vs. Living by the Flesh

When it comes to our spiritual journey, our focus plays a crucial role in shaping our beliefs and actions. Living by the Spirit and living by the Flesh represent two contrasting focuses that impact every aspect of our lives. Let us explore these opposing focuses and their implications.

Living by the Spirit:

Living by the Spirit is about being centered on God’s will and seeking to please Him in all that we do. It involves aligning our thoughts, desires, and actions with the teachings of the Bible. By prioritizing our relationship with God, we open ourselves to the guidance of the Holy Spirit and strive to live in obedience to His leading.

Being focused on living by the Spirit means that we seek to cultivate virtues such as love, kindness, patience, and self-control. We recognize that true fulfillment comes from serving and honoring God, rather than pursuing the temporary pleasures of the world.

Living by the Flesh:

Living by the Flesh, on the other hand, centers around self-gratification and earthly desires. It is driven by our human nature, which tends to prioritize our own interests, pleasures, and ambitions above all else. Focusing on the flesh leads us to chase after worldly pursuits and indulge in sinful behaviors.

When we allow ourselves to be guided by the flesh, we are easily swayed by the temptations of the world. Our focus shifts from the eternal to the temporal, seeking instant gratification rather than seeking God’s will.

“For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want.” – Galatians 5:17

Understanding the implications of our focus is crucial for our spiritual growth and relationship with God. It influences the choices we make, the desires we pursue, and the way we relate to others. By consciously choosing to live by the Spirit, we align ourselves with God’s purposes and experience a deeper sense of peace, joy, and fulfillment.

Through our focus on living by the Spirit, we begin to bear the fruit of the Spirit as mentioned in Galatians 5:22-23 – love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These virtues not only enrich our own lives but also impact those around us, fostering healthier relationships and a positive influence in our communities.

On the other hand, when we allow ourselves to be consumed by the desires of the flesh, we bear the fruits of our sinful nature as outlined in Galatians 5:19-21 – immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, enmity, strife, jealousy, anger, and more.

The focus of our lives shapes our character, influences our decisions, and ultimately determines the trajectory of our spiritual journey. It is essential to evaluate our focus regularly, realigning ourselves with the Spirit and seeking God’s guidance in all that we do.

The Fruits: Living by the Spirit vs. Living by the Flesh

Living by the Spirit produces beautiful fruits such as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control, as mentioned in Galatians 5:22-23. These attributes reflect the nature of God and are evidence of a life surrendered to His guidance and power. When we choose to live by the Spirit, our actions and attitudes are characterized by love, bringing joy and peace to ourselves and those around us.

On the other hand, living by the Flesh leads to undesirable outcomes like immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, anger, rivalries, divisions, factions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and more, as outlined in Galatians 5:19-21. These fruits of the flesh are contrary to the teachings of God and can cause harm to ourselves and our relationships.

When we align our lives with the Spirit, we bear the good fruit that reflects God’s character and transforms our hearts. However, when we choose to gratify our fleshly desires, the fruits we produce can lead to brokenness, conflict, and spiritual decay. It is important for us to examine the fruits in our lives and evaluate whether we are truly living by the Spirit or succumbing to the temptations of the flesh.

Let us strive to cultivate the fruits of the Spirit, allowing God’s love and power to flow through us, bringing transformation and making us agents of positive change in the world.

• Living by the Spirit produces fruits such as:
  • Love
  • Joy
  • Peace
  • Patience
  • Kindness
  • Goodness
  • Faithfulness
  • Gentleness
  • Self-control

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” – Galatians 5:22-23 (ESV)

• Living by the Flesh leads to fruits such as:
  • Immorality
  • Impurity
  • Sensuality
  • Idolatry
  • Sorcery
  • Enmity
  • Strife
  • Jealousy
  • Anger
  • Rivalries
  • Divisions
  • Factions
  • Envy
  • Drunkenness
  • Orgies
  • And more…

“Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these.” – Galatians 5:19-21 (ESV)

The Desires: Living by the Spirit vs. Living by the Flesh

When it comes to living a life that is pleasing to God, our desires play a crucial role. The desires we have reflect what truly matters to us and drive our actions and choices. In this section, we will explore the stark contrast between living by the Spirit and living by the Flesh in terms of desires and their impact on our lives.

Living by the Spirit means aligning our desires with God’s will and seeking to please Him above all else. We long for righteousness, holiness, and the things that are pleasing in His sight. Our focus shifts from worldly desires and material possessions to spiritual growth and seeking God’s guidance in every aspect of our lives.

On the other hand, living by the Flesh is driven by selfish desires and cravings that are contrary to God’s will. We prioritize our own pleasure, worldly success, and instant gratification over what pleases God. These desires often lead us down a path of sin and separation from our Creator.

“For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do.” – Galatians 5:17

The desires we hold within us shape our choices, actions, and ultimately the direction of our lives. Living by the Spirit enables us to make choices that honor God and lead to blessings and fulfillment in the long run. It transforms our desires from temporary and fleeting pleasures to eternal satisfaction found in a close relationship with our Heavenly Father.

Living by the Flesh, however, blinds us to the consequences of our desires. It blinds us to the harmful effects of sin and the emptiness that comes from pursuing worldly desires. We may experience temporary pleasure, but it leaves us longing for more and never truly satisfies our deepest needs.

“But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” – Galatians 5:16

Understanding the significance of these contrasting desires empowers us to make intentional choices that align with God’s will. It prompts us to examine the motives behind our desires and seek transformation through the power of the Holy Spirit. By surrendering our desires to God and embracing His desires for us, we can experience true fulfillment, joy, and a life that brings glory to His name.

As we continue to explore the differences between living by the Spirit and living by the Flesh, let us delve deeper into the impact of these desires on our decisions and the consequences that follow.

The Decisions: Living by the Spirit vs. Living by the Flesh

When it comes to decision-making, our approach can have a profound impact on our lives and the lives of those around us. Choosing between living by the Spirit or living by the Flesh ultimately determines the path we follow and the consequences we face.

Living by the Spirit involves making decisions based on God’s Word and seeking His guidance. When we are attuned to the Spirit, we prioritize obedience to His teachings and align our choices with His will. This requires a deep understanding of Scripture and a willingness to surrender our own desires in favor of God’s plan.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” – Proverbs 3:5-6

In contrast, living by the Flesh leads us to succumb to impulsive desires and selfish motives without considering God’s will. This can result in destructive behaviors, broken relationships, and a sense of emptiness as we prioritize temporary gratification over eternal fulfillment.

When we make decisions based on the Flesh, we are more likely to compromise our values, engage in sinful actions, and harm ourselves and others in the process. These choices may provide immediate satisfaction but often come with lasting consequences that negatively impact our spiritual growth and well-being.

Ultimately, the decisions we make reflect our faith and our commitment to honoring God. By choosing to live by the Spirit, we invite God to guide our choices and transform our lives. We demonstrate a deep trust in His wisdom and embrace the peace and fulfillment that come from aligning our decisions with His perfect plan.

On the other hand, living by the Flesh leads us down a path of self-centeredness and spiritual stagnation. It blinds us to the spiritual truths and hinders our ability to experience the abundant life that God has promised.

Therefore, let us examine our hearts and minds as we navigate life’s decisions. Are we living by the Spirit, seeking God’s guidance and trusting in His wisdom? Or are we allowing the desires of the Flesh to sway our judgment and dictate our choices? The answers to these questions will shape our journey and define the outcomes we experience.

Choose wisely, for the decisions we make today have the power to shape our future and impact our relationship with God and others.

The Relationships: Living by the Spirit vs. Living by the Flesh

When it comes to relationships, our approach can have a profound impact on the dynamics we experience. Living by the Spirit and living by the Flesh offer contrasting relationship patterns, each leading to distinct outcomes. Let’s explore these opposing paradigms and understand their implications.

“Living by the Spirit promotes love, unity, and forgiveness in relationships.”

When we choose to live by the Spirit, we prioritize love, unity, and forgiveness in our relationships. We recognize the importance of treating others with kindness, compassion, and empathy. By seeking God’s guidance and following His teachings, we cultivate healthy connections built on trust, respect, and understanding.

Living by the Spirit enables us to embrace forgiveness wholeheartedly, allowing for reconciliation and growth in our relationships. We understand that no one is perfect, and mistakes are an opportunity for healing and restoration. Through the Spirit’s guidance, we extend grace and mercy, fostering deep and meaningful connections with others.

“In contrast, living by the Flesh breeds conflict, selfishness, and a lack of empathy.”

On the other hand, living by the Flesh can create a breeding ground for conflict, selfishness, and a lack of empathy in our relationships. When we prioritize our own desires and gratification above everything else, we risk hurting others and damaging the bonds we share with them. Selfishness becomes the driving force, leading to discord and dissatisfaction.

Living by the Flesh often disregards the feelings and needs of others, hindering our ability to empathize and connect with them on a deeper level. Our focus shifts from building meaningful relationships to satisfying our own immediate desires, leaving little room for genuine care and compassion.

The Impact of Living by the Spirit and Living by the Flesh on Relationships

Living by the Spirit	Living by the Flesh
Promotes love, unity, and forgiveness	Breeds conflict, selfishness, and a lack of empathy
Fosters trust, respect, and understanding	Leads to discord and dissatisfaction
Encourages empathy, compassion, and grace	Disregards the feelings and needs of others

When we choose to live by the Spirit, our relationships flourish with love, unity, and forgiveness. We prioritize the well-being of others and foster connections built on trust and empathy. On the other hand, living by the Flesh can lead to conflict, selfishness, and a lack of empathy, ultimately damaging the relationships we hold dear. It is essential to discern our approach and strive for a life led by the Spirit, cultivating healthy and fulfilling connections that reflect God’s love.

The Peace: Living by the Spirit vs. Living by the Flesh

In our spiritual journey, peace plays a significant role in guiding our path. When we choose to live by the Spirit, we experience inner peace and a profound sense of God’s presence in our lives. This peace transcends the challenges and uncertainties of the world, providing comfort and assurance.

On the contrary, living by the Flesh often leads to restlessness, anxiety, and a feeling of disconnection from God. The pursuit of worldly desires and selfish ambitions leaves us empty and devoid of true peace. We find ourselves caught up in the constant pursuit of temporary pleasures, always striving for more but never finding fulfillment.

Living by the Spirit offers a different kind of peace—one that goes beyond external circumstances. It is a peace that stems from aligning our hearts and minds with God’s will, surrendering our desires to Him, and trusting in His plan for our lives.

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” – John 14:27

This peace allows us to experience tranquility and contentment, even in the midst of chaos or adversity. It is a peace that guards our hearts and minds, providing stability and clarity in making decisions and navigating life’s challenges.

Choosing to live by the Spirit and embracing the peace it brings not only impacts our individual well-being but also our relationships, our ability to love, and our overall perspective on life. It is a transformative experience that brings harmony and serenity to every aspect of our being.

Experiencing the Peace:

Here are practical ways we can cultivate and experience the peace that comes from living by the Spirit:

1. Cultivate a prayerful life: Set aside dedicated time each day to commune with God, seeking His presence and guidance. Prayer brings a sense of peace and assurance as we lay our burdens before Him.
2. Immerse yourself in Scripture: Spend time reading and meditating on God’s Word, allowing His truth to penetrate your heart. The Bible offers words of comfort, encouragement, and wisdom that bring peace to our souls.
3. Practice gratitude: Develop a grateful heart by acknowledging and appreciating the blessings in your life. Gratitude shifts our focus from what we lack to what we have, fostering a sense of peace and contentment.
4. Choose forgiveness: Extend forgiveness to those who have wronged you, releasing the burden of resentment and bitterness. Forgiveness brings healing and peace to our relationships and our own hearts.

By intentionally living by the Spirit and embracing the peace it offers, we can experience a profound transformation in our lives. Let us strive to align our hearts with God’s will, seeking His peace in all aspects of our journey.

Key Takeaways:

• Living by the Spirit brings inner peace and a sense of God’s presence.
• Living by the Flesh leads to restlessness, anxiety, and a feeling of disconnection from God.
• Choosing to live by the Spirit cultivates a deep and lasting peace that transcends circumstances.
• Prayer, Scripture, gratitude, and forgiveness are practical ways to experience the peace of living by the Spirit.

Next, we will explore the impact of conviction and growth when living by the Spirit versus living by the Flesh.

The Conviction: Living by the Spirit vs. Living by the Flesh

Living by the Spirit means being guided by our conviction to follow God’s path. When we choose to prioritize our relationship with God and align our lives with His teachings, we experience a deep sense of conviction whenever we deviate from His will. This conviction serves as a compass, pointing us towards righteousness and reminding us of the importance of living by the Spirit.

In contrast, living by the Flesh often leads us to disregard our conscience and ignore the moral compass that God has placed within us. We may find ourselves justifying sinful actions or turning a blind eye to behaviors that go against God’s commands. Without the guiding influence of the Spirit, we become vulnerable to the temptations of the flesh and lose sight of our true convictions.

Living by the Spirit keeps us anchored to our convictions, reminding us of our commitment to live in accordance with God’s truth and righteousness.

“When we let conviction of the Spirit guide us, we can be confident that our choices are in line with God’s will.”

Living by the Spirit, we are constantly aware of the convictions that God has placed within us. These convictions act as a safeguard, prompting us to resist the allure of the flesh and make decisions that honor God. While living by the Flesh may provide temporary pleasure, it lacks the lasting fulfillment and peace that comes from living in alignment with our convictions.

The choice to live by the Spirit or the Flesh ultimately determines the strength of our convictions and the depth of our relationship with God.

Contrasting Conviction – Living by the Spirit vs. Living by the Flesh

Living By the Spirit	Living By the Flesh
Guided by convictions grounded in God’s truth	Driven by self-serving desires and immediate gratification
Conscious of God’s will and purpose for our lives	Disregard for God’s commands and moral standards
Responds to conviction with repentance and realignment	Justifies or ignores sinful actions
Leads to a deepening relationship with God	Creates distance and separation from God

In our journey of faith, let us strive to live by the Spirit, allowing our convictions to guide us towards a life that is pleasing to God. By embracing and heeding the voice of conviction, we can experience the transformative power of the Holy Spirit, enabling us to live out our faith with unwavering commitment and obedience.

How Do You Differentiate Between Living by the Spirit and Living by the Flesh?

Living by the Spirit means walking in love, joy, peace, patience, and self-control. On the other hand, living by the flesh involves selfishness, anger, envy, and other negative aspects. When you experience signs of freedom in Christ, such as forgiveness and grace, you know you are living by the Spirit.

The Growth: Living by the Spirit vs. Living by the Flesh

When it comes to our spiritual journey, growth is of utmost importance. Living by the Spirit empowers us to experience exponential growth in our faith and our desire to become more like Christ. By surrendering to God’s will and relying on His guidance, we open ourselves to transformation and limitless potential.

In contrast, living by the Flesh keeps us stagnant spiritually, hindering our progress and preventing us from reaching our full potential in Christ. It is a state of complacency, a lack of motivation to pursue a deeper relationship with God or to engage in spiritual growth activities.

Choosing to live by the Spirit means embarking on a journey of continuous growth. As we open ourselves to the leading and empowering of the Holy Spirit, we become more aware of our shortcomings and areas of growth. We seek to align our thoughts, attitudes, and actions with God’s Word, allowing His truth to shape and mold us.

Living by the Spirit cultivates a hunger to know God more deeply, to deepen our understanding of His character, and to reflect His love and grace to others. It compels us to engage in spiritual disciplines such as prayer, studying His Word, fellowship with other believers, and serving those in need. Through these practices, we grow in our faith, our love for God, and our love for others.

On the other hand, living by the Flesh stifles growth and keeps us trapped in worldly desires and self-centered pursuits. It blinds us to the beauty of our spiritual potential and the joy that comes from walking closely with God. Instead of striving to become more like Christ, we find ourselves consumed by temporary pleasures and the pursuit of worldly success.

Ultimately, the choice to live by the Spirit or the Flesh determines the trajectory of our growth and the impact of our lives. May we choose daily, to surrender to the leading of the Holy Spirit and embrace the transformative growth that comes from living in alignment with God’s will.