I’m a native New Orleanian. Everyone in my city knows what’s for dinner on Mondays—red beans and rice. As I continue my evaluation of character, today's post was inspired by my dinner.

Like white on rice, poor character traits are connected to sin. For example, compulsive lying is dishonest and misrepresentation truth—even God’s truth; pride is a sinful attitude of self-love that elevates their opinions and position above God; stubbornness is rebellious resistance to God’s will; and selfishness results in excessive concerns for one’s own desires and comforts to the disregard and expense of others.

Like white on rice, today’s scripture provides prove that my weak character traits have the ability to morph into sinful desires, sinful thoughts, and sinful actions.

Galatians chapter 5 sheds light on what it means to Walk in the Spirit—ways that please God.

Verses 19-20 says this, Now the practices of the sinful nature are clearly evident: they are sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality (total irresponsibility, lack of self-control), idolatry, sorcery, hostility, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions [that promote heresies], envy, drunkenness, riotous behavior, and other things like these. I warn you beforehand, just as I did previously, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

The Bible is clear that we all have a sinful nature—yes, I know that includes me. Like white on rice, my weak and negative character traits lead to undesirable and destructive behaviors.

The Bible is clear that such practices will not inherit the kingdom of God, and God ain’t playing about that.

The Bible is also clear that it’s my responsibility to change my practices!

I chose to make red beans and rice for dinner, and just like that the power of choice is available in and throughout everything I do. Galatians provides similar encouragement reminding me to walk (practice) in ways that pleases God and not my own sinful nature. Today, I ask God to forgive me of my sin—I chose to please God.

My Prayer: Dear Lord, I thank you for grace, mercy, and forgiveness. Help me to walk in a way that pleases You. Help me to acknowledge my selfish natures, denounce them, and turn towards You. Strengthen me to choose Walking in the Spirit over walking in my sinful nature.