THE STORY OF JESUS: Jude 1
“Who follow mere natural instincts and do not have the Spirit.” (Jude 1:19)
Jude is describing church people who really do not know Jesus.
They belong to the church fellowship, but they do not reflect Jesus.
He points to their divisive, immoral and selfish behaviors as evidence.
But what catches my attention is this following instinct, not the Spirit.
To do things by instinct is to go with what feels right or good.
When I read the bible, am I following my instinct – what I prefer?
Or am I seeking to discern the Spirit’s way, even if I don’t prefer it?
The Spirit is working against the flesh, to produce good Jesus-like fruit.
Of course it won’t feel right or good, it goes against our nature instinct!
My resistance to blessing enemies, forgiving those who hurt me?
My excuses for not being more generous, or taking a humble position to others.
What does my instinct tell me, and what does the Spirit of Jesus tell me?
As Jesus followers, we should feel this tension more.
I need to fight my instincts, until they align with the Spirit of Jesus.
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, I don not want to become like these people, I want to become like You. Tame my instincts and desires to make them more like Yours.