Galatians 5:17 English Standard Version (ESV) For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do.

It is important to listen to the Spirit because He will not lie to us and yet we can and often do lie to ourselves. The habit of being defensive goes all the way back to original sin. Denial is in our DNA. And yet the only way to break out of the bondage is confession that comes from the heart.

Paul made this same confession in Romans 7.

Romans 7:15 English Standard Version (ESV) For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate.

It isn’t easy to make these confessions, Our DNA tells us we are unworthy, it’s the urge to hide from God when we know we have done wrong.

We must not ignore the Truth that came by faith in Christ.

Romans 7:4 English Standard Version (ESV) Likewise, my brothers, you also have died to the law through the body of Christ, so that you may belong to another, to him who has been raised from the dead, in order that we may bear fruit for God.

We belong in this family no matter how we feel about ourselves. Nothing can undo the grace that has already been given. It is the conflict of conscience.

God gave us a conscience to prevent us from doing wrong but it is a part of the mind and therefore flesh. The mind has to be convicted by the truth not convinced. Conviction is a heart condition born of the Spirit.

This is why the mind has to be transformed, reprogrammed to respond to the truth and not our emotions.

Romans 12:2 English Standard Version (ESV) Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.