Have you ever had a day at home with nothing to do? You had no plans and figured out the day as you went along (or just stayed at home all day). Those are certainly rare days – but usually unproductive! 

Or maybe you didn’t stick to much of a diet for a while. At first, it didn’t seem to be much of an issue. But if you have a lot of those unhealthy eating days in a row, you will feel sick. 

Or maybe you didn’t stick to a budget on a trip. The trip might have been fun, but the consequences of overspending can certainly be painful as you seek to pay those bills. 

Our body knows what it wants. It wants everything all the time. And that’s not a good thing. Adam and Eve had everything they wanted except for the fruit from one tree – so they made the sad decision to eat from that fruit anyway. And it’s been a problem ever since. 

We need a better guide than “what feels right at the moment.” 

In Romans 8:12-17, Paul is writing to the Roman church. He is focusing on the power of the Holy Spirit and its ministry in our lives. In verse 13, Paul writes: 

… because if you live according to the flesh, you are going to die. But if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. (Romans 8:13 CSB) 

Fortunately, the Spirit is available to guide us. Therefore, we should listen to God’s Holy Spirit and let Him lead us toward lives that glorify God. 

What motivates you? What makes you excited to live your day? We have more opportunities than any generation in history. But simply living our lives with no purpose does not provide us with the satisfaction we are looking for. We need a larger motivation and direction in our lives. 

When people see you, what would they say is your direction or motivation? Is it Jesus or the Spirit? Or is it something more closely tied to the world? 

By Jason Grace 

Jason is a software engineering manager. He and his wife, Karen, have two children and have been active members at Immanuel for over 22 years. His service includes roles in the deacon ministry, children's ministry, technical team, financial coaching, and leading Bible studies. He loves traveling with his wife and family throughout the US.