YOUR DAILY BATTLE

So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace. Romans 8:6 (NLT)

Today in Canada, we honour the men and women of our armed forces who courageously risk their lives to defend and protect freedom. We remember those who paid the ultimate price by giving their lives. We also thank those who continue to serve every day, putting the interests of our country ahead of their own.

I have tremendous respect for these men and women, and we can learn a lot from their example. You see, soldiers value the cause at hand more than they value their own comfort and preferences. If they didn’t, every battle would be lost before it began.

As a believer, you also face a daily battle that involves putting selfishness aside. Every day, Satan will try to get you focused on you—your fun, your problems, your needs, your wants—so that you stop thinking of others. He knows you won’t reach out to hurting people or look for ways to tell people about Jesus if you’re consumed with “you.”

He also knows that self-centredness hurts you. According to our verse today, the nature of sin leads to the death of everything good in your life.

The good news is that you already have the power to live above selfishness. Romans 8:9 says (CEB), “But you aren’t self-centred. Instead, you are in the Spirit.” You have what it takes to fulfill your mission.

Fight your battle every day. Spend time with God, and He’ll help you to create the most fulfilling life possible—one where you not only enjoy your blessings, but you also use the influence and resources He has helped you gain to reach others for Him.