Feeding the White Dog: The Struggle Between Flesh and Spirit in the Christian Life

If you’ve ever found yourself saying, "Lord, why do I keep doing the things I hate?"—you’re not alone.

I’ve been there. Most of us have.

That quiet, internal war between right and wrong, between Spirit and flesh, is something every believer faces. And the Apostle Paul captured it perfectly in Romans 7:15:

"I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do, I do not do, but what I hate, I do."

That verse hits differently when you’re in the middle of the struggle. It reminds me that even those we look up to in faith wrestled with the same inner battles we face today.

The Two Dogs Within: Which One Are You Feeding?

There’s an old story I once heard at a youth retreat that I’ve never forgotten. It goes like this:

"Inside each of us are two dogs. One is kind, patient, full of truth and light—the Spirit. The other is jealous, prideful, angry—the flesh. The one who wins? The one you feed."

That image stuck with me because it’s so true. Every choice we make feeds either our flesh or the Spirit within us.

And let’s be honest—it’s easy to feed the wrong one. We scroll endlessly, compare, complain, envy. Even among fellow believers, it’s not uncommon to find jealousy, gossip, or pride creeping in. And when we start giving in to these tendencies, we drift. Sometimes slowly, sometimes all at once.

The Battle Between the Natural and the Spiritual

The Bible makes a clear distinction:

The natural man doesn’t grasp the things of God (1 Corinthians 2:14).

The spiritual man discerns deeply because he’s aligned with the Spirit (1 Corinthians 2:15-16).

I remember the season in my walk when I knew I believed in Christ, but my life didn’t reflect it. I was saved, yes—but not surrendered. I knew truth, but I wasn’t living it. I was what Paul calls a "carnal Christian"—a believer still ruled by fleshly desires.

It wasn’t until I got serious about Scripture, community, and prayer that things started shifting. And even then, it’s still a daily battle—but one I no longer face alone.

Freedom Has a Name: Jesus

Romans 7:24 is one of the most relatable cries in all of Scripture:

"What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death?"

And right after that, Paul gives the answer:

"Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!" (v. 25)

We are not meant to live defeated. We are called to live free, and that freedom is threefold:

1. Freedom from the Penalty of Sin

Jesus paid the ultimate price. Because of the cross, we are no longer condemned. We’re forgiven. (1 Peter 2:24, Colossians 1:14)

2. Freedom from the Power of Sin

Through the Holy Spirit, we have the power to say "no" to sin and "yes" to God. We’re not perfect—but we’re progressing. (Galatians 5:16-18, Romans 8:13)

3. Freedom from the Presence of Sin

One day, when we are with Him in glory, sin will be no more. That’s the hope we cling to in this battle. (Revelation 21:4)

So, How Do We Feed the Spirit?

If you’re tired of feeling spiritually dry or stuck, here’s where to begin:

Get in the Word daily. Not just for information—but for transformation.

Pray honestly. God isn’t scared of your mess. He wants to meet you there.

Surround yourself with believers who will sharpen you in truth and love.

Say yes to obedience, even when it’s uncomfortable.

Ask the Holy Spirit to fill you daily. Not just once at salvation, but again and again (Ephesians 5:18).

A Personal Reminder from Me to You

There are still days I feed the wrong dog. I still stumble. But I’ve learned that grace isn't just a one-time gift—it’s a daily invitation to come back, to reset, to walk forward with Jesus.

So if you’re feeling weak, distant, or weary—come home.

Feed the white dog.

Open the Bible again.

Talk to Jesus again.

Let the Holy Spirit have more of you than yesterday.

You are not fighting this battle alone.

🕊️ Your Next Step: Stand in Freedom

Christ already won the war—you just need to fight your battles with Him, not apart from Him.

💬 What’s one area of your life where you’ve been feeding the wrong dog?

🙏 Start today by surrendering that part of your heart to Jesus. 🔍

→ Need prayer or encouragement?

Comment send a message, or join our next Bible study. You don’t have to carry this burden alone.