Better than binging
Shaped by the Spirit
===
For those who live according to the flesh have their outlook shaped by the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit have their outlook shaped by the things of the Spirit.
Romans 8:5 (NET)
===
We sometimes forget that we’re at war.
Not a war of flesh & blood, but a war of the spiritual powers of life & darkness.
Jesus already won the war, but the battles are still fought every day.
Earlier in chapter 8 we see that those of us who are believers in Christ Jesus now live under grace instead of condemnation.
Thus, Jesus won the war.
But our flesh, and the Enemy, keep fighting.
Partly to drive us to ineffective service of the King and partly to discourage us in our walk with Him.
The way to win the battle is by setting our minds on the Spirit.
To live according to the Spirit, to be shaped by Him.
It’s not a one-and-done thing because it’s a daily fight.
One little decision here, one little choice there. Soon you start racking up more wins than loses and build more and more momentum toward the good.
Rather than thinking in big, harry, audacious goals, we can simply focus on following the Spirit’s leading for each tiny moment.
Consistency is the better plan.
I like to do things in binges. Often watching many episodes of a show rather than one at a time.
But we can’t binge through life.
We have to take it one moment at a time.
Best to be sensitive to the Spirit and follow His leading.
— Ricky Ketchum
Copyright © 2026 by Ricky Ketchum. All rights reserved. Unauthorized duplication prohibited.
Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NET) are from the NET Bible® copyright ©1996, 2019 by Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. http://netbible.com All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations marked (ESV) are from the ESV®Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright© 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations marked (NKJV) are from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.