Seventh-Day Adventist Devotional For Children: “Two Ways To Live: Who Controls You”

*DAILY BREAD: A DEVOTIONAL FOR THE CHILDREN* Eastern Nigeria Union Conference Children’s Ministries Department Friday, April 28, 2023

*Topic: Two ways to live: Who controls you?*

_Those who live following their sinful selves think only about things that their sinful selves want. But those who live following the Spirit are thinking about the things that the Spirit wants them to do.

(Romans 8:5)_ Jesus has opened a new possibility for us. Before we knew Christ, we continually set our minds on the things of the flesh, working feverishly to fulfill our worldly desires. But now, by the Spirit, we can put aside the things of the flesh and set our minds on the things of God.

The mind is like the rudder of a ship. Although it is a small instrument, it has the power to direct the entire vessel. Yet the rudder is also a simple device, having only two directional options, port or starboard (left or right).

In the same way, your mind directs your attention and energy either toward the flesh or the Spirit. With each decision you make, both great and small, you are directing the course of your life. We don’t like to be controlled.

However, we will be controlled either by our sinful nature or by the Spirit of God. There are no middle options (Ephesians 2:1-3). Before you knew Christ, you continually directed yourself according to the desires of your flesh, for you had no other option. It has always been the flesh, the flesh, the flesh.Our thoughts were increasingly controlled by sin’s enslaving lifestyle.

But now, God has given you a new option: to direct the course of your life according to his will and purposes. Now, by the Spirit, you can set your mind on the things of the Spirit and move ever closer to God. The Spirit gives us the power to live with freedom, enjoying a life full of his fruit — love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. And this way is not complicated.

As a rudder is moved by the simple pull of the arm, so also your life is moved by a simple redirection of your mind. And our role? First, we must choose to actively seek the Spirit’s influence over our will. Second, we must commit to responding to His lead in what we think and do (Galatians 5:25).

*Thought for reflection*

There are only two groups of people in the world with two very different destinies: Those who live according to the flesh and those who live according to the Spirit. When we look at our lives, do we see our thoughts and actions dominated by the sinful nature (the flesh) or by the Spirit? Those who are according to the flesh” describes the spiritual condition of unbelievers. They are characterized by death (8:6).

“Those who are according to the Spirit” describes believers, who are characterized by life and peace (8:6). The nature of each group determines their present behavior and their final destiny. Make sure that you are living “according to the Spirit,” not the flesh. *Song* Nearer, still nearer, close to Thy heart, Draw me, my Savior, so precious Thou art; Fold me, O fold me close to Thy breast, Shelter me safe in that haven of rest, Shelter me safe in that haven of rest. Nearer, still nearer, Lord, to be Thine; Sin, with its follies, I gladly resign, All of its pleasures, pomp and its pride; Give me but Jesus, my Lord crucified, Give me but Jesus, my Lord crucified *Prayer* : Lord Jesus Christ, thank you for giving me your Spirit and for opening new possibilities for me. Today, help me to set my mind on the things of the Spirit. With every decision, both great and small, let me move ever closer to you. O Father, draw me to you. Have your holiness capture my heart and mold my character. Have your Spirit shape my life to reflect your righteousness and mercy. I want to be led, transformed, and controlled by your Holy Spirit. I ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.