Galatians 5:16 – So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. (NIV)

I recently bought a .22 calibre rifle at a yard sale so I could do some target practising. The rifle looked pretty good and it was not a bad price.

I went to the rifle range to do some shooting. I had a target set up about 15 yards away. I started to shoot at the target but found that I was nowhere close to hitting it. Now I know I am not that bad of a shot, so I checked the rifle. As I examined the rifle, I noticed that the sight was slightly bent. I then knew why I could not hit the target. I was shooting away off to the side, because aiming at the sight was actually causing me to point the gun in another direction. Before I can use this rifle for target practising, I need to get a sight which is straight, which will then allow me to shoot straight.

Just as I need the sight to be straight on the rifle so I can shoot straight, I need in my Christian life "to have my sight on straight". In the scripture for today we read: "Live by the Spirit." So I am to be led by the spirit. I sometimes need to remember this, because I do not want my own desires to be the directing force in my life, but instead the will of God should be that directing force. Letting my own desires direct my life is like having a bent sight. I can look at the target or goal, but never hit it. I must be directed by the Spirit who will truly point me to the target.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, help us so that our own desires do not direct our lives. Guide us instead by the Spirit in our lives. May we only desire the fruit of the Spirit and do your works. In Jesus' name. Amen.

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