Control over our minds and bodies is one of the hardest things we can do. To master the will of our subconscious can sometimes feel impossible. However, we do it because we want to be in control. 1 Corinthians 9:26-17 says, 26 Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. 27 No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize. Nothing we do should ever be done without meaning and purpose. God will bless us for our efforts. Training gives the athlete the ability to be compete in an event. The same goes for training our minds to look to God and Trust the Holy Spirit to lead us. It does not come naturally to us, so we must practice it each and every day.

Today we begin the book of Galatians. This book was written by Paul and is meant to refute teachings to the Galatian gentiles that they must follow Jewish law in order to be saved, calling all believers to faith and freedom in Christ. Galatians 1:10 says, Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ. Paul would not have gone through all he had if he simply wanted to please men. Life was easier when Paul lived for the approval of Jewish leaders and did not have to face their persecution. When we seek God’s approval we must be prepared to face the disapproval of man. We see it today even in the way other believer sometimes disapprove of each other. Our obedience to Christ is not meant to be understood by anyone else but Him. Our reward comes from God and not by the approval of men.