Why self-improvement fails without the Spirit’s power…
If you want to manage your life well, you must first manage yourself.
But this is easier said than done.
Our sin nature is always at work, pulling us toward unwise, counterproductive choices.
This is why we need the help of the Spirit!
The Holy Spirit is often the most neglected member of the Trinity.
Yet we must not forget Him—because without Him, we cannot manage ourselves faithfully.
As Jesus said: “The Spirit gives life; the flesh profits nothing” (Jn. 6:63).
Don’t miss this point.
Our efforts at self-improvement will all fail when pursued by fleshly means.
We can:
-Come up with elaborate plans to change
-Immerse ourselves in the teachings of Stoic philosophers
-Resolve to be more disciplined
But without the Spirit’s help, all of it will ultimately fail.
Realizing this truth can make all the difference for you.
You see… God wants you to overcome whatever makes you stumble.
In fact, He intends for you to kill the sin that afflicts you–so you can live the life and carry out the mission He designed for you.
But for this to happen, you must rely on the Spirit.
The Apostle puts it in stark terms:
“… if you are living according to the flesh, you must die; but if by the Spirit you are putting to death the deeds of the body, you will live” (Rom. 8:13).
So remember…
God has not called us to a self-improvement project. No.
Better choices, stronger character, and greater usefulness in God’s kingdom come as we yield to the Spirit’s work in our lives.
“But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh” (Gal. 5:16).
So today, stop striving in your own strength—yield to the Spirit and walk in His power.