Civil Wars

Civil Wars are brutal. 

The levels of hatred and violence shown between communities that had a history of mutual co-existence has been shocking.

And yet, in Iraq, Syria and Ukraine, much of the conflict is being stirred and encouraged by other larger nations nearby, making the local difficulties much more complex.

But St. Paul sets out a similar scenario when looking into the battles between good and evil experienced in the human heart.

'So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves. The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions.' (Galatians 5.16-17)

St. Paul tells of this relentless internal conflict because we need to know we are in a battle zone.

Just as the Spirit of Jesus wants us to reflect his life, so our sinful human nature, driven by the world, the flesh and the devil, wants to lead us into all sorts of unholy patterns of thought and action.

Our only hope of victory comes from trusting God, by his Spirit, to help us overcome habits and patterns of living all too easily seen around us. 

Today, we need to do what Paul says -  let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves. 

Best wishes,

Richard