For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. (Gal 5:17 NIV)

Its common experience that we humans have two voices in our inmost being. One excuses, the other condemns. However many phantasize that this inner conflict is terminated as soon as somebody is reborn and henceforth only one voice, one will and desire is determinative. Yet this is not so. Even in a reborn Christian you find the conflict between flesh and Spirit. “Flesh” is the biblical terminology for the old sinful being. “Spirit” however is God’s Spirit, who dwells in the baptized Christian and does his work there. The battle between these two is closely related if not identical to the struggle of the natural person and his conscience. Just as the person is renewed and is a new creation after his rebirth, baptism and conversion – so also the battle and struggle is also a different one. The conscience of a person is naturally unsure and not absolutely certain. That is why it transmits a certain disquiet and uneasiness, gives rise to a measure of trouble that is not easily dispelled and of which we can’t easily fathom its depth and circumference. Enlightened by the divine Spirit our conscience learns what is truly evil. The Spirit becomes active and the battle in our conscience becomes his own struggle. Hence the struggle and battle really is very similar to that experienced by unconverted persons, but it still is very different, because the Holy Spirit makes the difference. He makes it much more clear, more conscious and stronger too. Nobody is tempted and afflicted as those, who follow Jesus under the compulsion and Lordship of the Holy Spirit.

Allmighty, eternal, righteous and merciful God! Grant to us poor people that we do all that we recognize to be your will for your sake. Do give us the will to just desire what you want, so that we would be purified and sanctified within, enlightened and enflamed by your glowing Spirit to follow the footsteps of your Son Jesus Christ. Amen. (Francis of Assisi)

Watch against yourself, my soul, Lest with grace you trifle; Let not self your thoughts control Nor God’s mercy stifle. Pride and sin Lurk within, All your hopes to shatter; Heed not when they flatter.

But while watching, also pray To the Lord unceasing. God alone can make you free, Strength and faith increasing, So that still Mind and will Heartfelt praises tender And true service render. (Johann Burkhard Freystein, 1671-1718 tr Catherine Winkworth, 1827-1878)

This is a rather free translation of Wilhelm Löhe’s devotion for Monday after the fourteenth Sunday after the high holiday and festival of the Holy Trinity. It is found on Pg. 314 in Lob sei Dir ewig, o Jesu!   (Eternal Praise to you o Jesus!) edited by A. Schuster and published in the Freimund Verlag, Neuendettelsau 1949.