An Unruly Spirit

Nearly everyday this past week a Scripture tugged at my mind. The Holy Spirit was revealing something about my heart condition.

It says in Proverbs 25:28, "He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls." (KJV).

The Lord was pointing to an unruly spirit as a result of broken places in my soul. Similar to the walls of Israel broken down and the gates burned by fire; it made such a glorious city defenseless and disgraceful (Nehemiah 1:3).

When we allow anger, resentment or bitterness to rule our hearts and behavior we become much the same way. The proper boundaries (the walls) and gates (points of access) are broken or completely ruined. Instead of the Holy Spirit ruling over our passions and desires we are subjugated to our fleshly whims. Not only do we suffer but our relationships feel the full weight of a crumbling edifice - of a God built temple - our bodies.

Recall we are the temple of the Holy Spirit and if defile it, God will destroy it (I Corinthians 3:17). It's the same warning given to Solomon above the physical temple he was building for the nation of Israel (I Kings 9:7).

From the beginning God blessed Adam and Eve to subdue and rule over His natural dominion (Genesis 1:28). He delegated to them His authority to exert power over their surroundings. Likewise through Christ we have the power to be lead by the Spirit so we don't gratify the desires of the flesh (Galatians 5:16-18).

Beloved, we have to pray that the fruit of the Spirit of patience and self-control be cultivated in our lives. It will not be easy because we can't say the first thing that pops in our head. We can't react as we did by letting people know how we feel. It means praying with sincerity for His help because the flesh can be so persuasive especially in a culture of rights and entitlements.

On a final word, the Lord knows the places we have been wounded that have made holes in our souls. We have done our best to fill in the open gashes and ripped out places but it often leads us to sin. Only He who had holes from nails driven into His feet and hands understands us the best. Only He can fill those empty places. Allow Him to rule over you and in your heart. His peace and power is at your disposal.

Its simple.

Bend the knee and say yes to His rulership.