Romans 8:9-11

9 You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him. 10 But if Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness. 11 If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you.

Jack Sparrow, the main character in the fictional movie Pirates of the Caribbean, owns an astonishing compass. Unlike other compasses, this one doesn’t simply point you in the proper direction. It points you toward what you covet most. It guides you toward your deepest desires.

As Christians, we have a guiding principle or compass––the Holy Spirit––within us that is higher and more powerful than the flesh. Whether we choose to adhere to Him or the flesh is entirely up to us. Because unlike Jack Sparrow’s compass––which, if adhered to, can overpower all rational logic and control one’s every move––the Holy Spirit will not force you into obeying. He desires a relationship with you, He longs to bring life to your sinful soul, but it is your decision to make. If the Spirit dwells within you and you give Him control, He will guide you toward what you desire most––righteous living for the cause of Christ. As believers, the Holy Spirit has transformative powers in our lives; we are not defined by our flesh and past mistakes but by the Spirit that dwells within. But if you choose to adhere to the world, opposing the Spirit, your fleshly compass will turn you toward the temporary, condemning desires of darkness.

Consider that last verse: As followers of Christ, the Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead dwells within you! He has the power to revive your dead-in-sin body and guide you to everlasting life with Him. Recognizing our identity in Christ helps us live victoriously, despite the struggles we may face. Lord, help our finite minds choose to follow the guidance of Your perfect Compass!

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Seek the Lord in prayer.

Highlight a characteristic of God.

Identify a truth about yourself or people.

Notice what the Holy Spirit is communicating to you.

Engage in the next action step. Think of a way to respond in obedience to what God has revealed to you today.