THINK TOGETHER
Have you ever fought with someone in your house (a brother or sister, or your parents)?
READ TOGETHER
Why do people fight? Why do people argue with each other? The answer is because they both want two very different things. They both want their own way. Maybe you have fought with someone because you both want the same toy or game. Or maybe you've disagreed on what TV show to watch.
The Bible says that when we have Jesus living in our hearts there is a really big fight happening inside of us. Listen to how the Apostle Paul describes this fight in his letter to the Galatians:
Galatians 5:16-17. 16But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17For 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.
Paul is teaching us that when we become a Christian we now have two sets of desires. We want two very different things. Yes, we are only one person, but inside of us are two very different ways of thinking – the Holy Spirit way, and the Flesh way. The spirit wants what Jesus wants and the flesh wants to be selfish.
Have you ever seen a boxing match? That's what's happening inside of you, a boxing match between your flesh and the Spirit. That's why sometimes you do the wrong thing and sometimes you do the right thing. But in the end the desires of Jesus will win. That's a promise from God. Sometimes you'll desire what Jesus desires, and sometimes you won't. But one day, we will want only what he wants, and we will want him the most.
Because of Jesus we have his same desires inside of us now.
With Jesus we will have a fight inside of us, but we can choose what Jesus wants.
DO SOMETHING TOGETHER
Watch a little bit of a boxing match. Talk about how every Christian has a fight going on inside of them between the flesh and the spirit. Ask your kids where they can see that fight happening inside of them.
PRAY TOGETHER
Jesus, thank you for giving me your desires. Help me to choose what you want today. Amen.
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