World War Me: A 5-Day Devotional {Romans 7:15–25}
- Jun 10
- 3 min read
Wednesday Junes 10, 2025- Feeding the Right Nature
Scripture: Galatians 5:16
One of the most important truths about spiritual growth is this: whatever you feed will grow. Every day, whether intentionally or unintentionally, we are strengthening either our flesh or our spirit. The internal war Paul describes in Romans 7 is not won by accident. Victory is determined by what we consistently nourish.
The flesh and the Spirit are constantly competing for influence in our lives. The flesh craves things that satisfy our natural desires—comfort, selfish ambition, pride, resentment, lust, impatience, and instant gratification. The Spirit, however, produces qualities that reflect God's character—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
Alot of us focus on resisting temptation when it appears, but often we overlook the habits that either prepare them for victory or set them up for defeat. Temptation is not usually defeated in the moment it arrives. I've discovered temptation is defeated in the prayer closet before the temptation even shows up. Temptation is defeated with the time spent in God's Word and in my moments of worship, fellowship, and daily communion with God.
Imagine trying to win a physical battle while refusing to eat, rest, or train. Eventually weakness would overcome you. The same principle applies spiritually. When prayer becomes optional, when Scripture reading becomes occasional, when worship becomes routine, and when fellowship is neglected, spiritual strength begins to diminish. The flesh thrives when the spirit is starving.
On the other hand, every moment spent in God's presence strengthens the inner man. Prayer sharpens our sensitivity to God's voice. Scripture renews our minds. Worship realigns our hearts. Fellowship encourages our faith. These spiritual disciplines are not religious obligations; they are spiritual nourishment.
Many people like me, wonder why do I continue struggling with the same thing year after year. Sometimes the answer is not that the temptation is too strong; it is that my spiritual diet is either weak or not balanced. A healthy spirit is not built in a day, it is strengthened daily through consistent connection with God.
Today, take an honest inventory of what you are feeding?
Consider the voices you listen to...
Consider the content you consume...
Consider the conversations you entertain...
Consider the amount of time you spend in God's presence.
Because what dominates your attention eventually shape your desires.
The good news is that every day provides a fresh opportunity to feed your spirit. You may not be able to eliminate every temptation, but you can strengthen the part of you that wants to please God. The more you walk with the Spirit, the less power the flesh will have over your life.
Reflection Questions
What habits are currently feeding your spiritual growth?
Are there activities, influences, or distractions that may be strengthening your flesh?
What one spiritual discipline can you strengthen to deepen your walk with God?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for giving me Your Holy Spirit to guide and strengthen me. Forgive me for the times I have neglected the things that nourish my relationship with You. Create within me a deeper hunger for Your presence and a greater desire for Your Word. Help me to be intentional about spending time in prayer, worship, and fellowship with other believers. Give me wisdom to recognize anything that weakens my spirit and courage to remove it from my life. Strengthen me daily so that I may walk in obedience, resist temptation, and reflect Your character in all that I do. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Spiritual Alignment Exercise
The Spiritual Diet Assessment
In a journal or notebook, create two columns:
Feeds My Flesh
Feeds My Spirit
Prayerfully evaluate your daily habits and write them in the appropriate column.
Consider:
What you watch
What you listen to
What you read
How you spend your free time
Who influences your thinking
How much time you spend with God
Circle three activities in the "Feeds My Spirit" column that you want to strengthen this week.
Place a star beside one activity in the "Feeds My Flesh" column that you need to reduce or eliminate.
Create a simple plan to spend more with God tomorrow through prayer, Bible reading, worship, and/or meditation.
End by reading Galatians 5:16 aloud three times, 3 different translations and ask God to help you walk in the Spirit throughout the day.
Then declare:
"I will not feed what fights against God's purpose for my life. I choose to nourish my spirit, walk with God, and grow stronger in Him every day."
Focal Point for Growth
The nature you feed becomes the nature that leads. When you consistently nourish your spirit, you position yourself for victory before the battle even begins.
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