Feeding the White Dog: The Daily Struggle Every Christian Faces

You're not the only one who has said, "Lord, why do I keep doing the things I hate?"

I've been there. A lot of us have.

Every Christian has to deal with the silent, internal conflict between good and evil, between the Spirit and the flesh. The Apostle Paul said it nicely in Romans 7:15:

"I don't know what I'm doing." I don't do what I want to do, but I do what I despise.

When you're in the thick of the fight, that verse hits home. It reminds me that even people we look up to in faith have to deal with the same problems we do now.

Which of the two dogs inside you are you feeding?

I heard an old story at a youth retreat that I've never forgotten. It goes like this:

"There are two dogs inside each of us. The Spirit is one of them. It is gentle, patient, and full of truth and light. The flesh is envious, proud, and furious. Who wins? The one you provide food to."

That picture stayed with me because it was so real. Each decision we make nourishes either our corporeal self or the Spirit inside us.

It's simple to feed the incorrect one, to be honest. We scroll and compare, whine, and envy all the time. Jealousy, gossip, and pride may come in even among people who believe the same thing. And when we start to give in to these urges, we lose our way. Sometimes slowly, sometimes all at once.

The Fight Between the Natural and the Spiritual

The Bible makes a clear difference:

The natural man does not comprehend the matters of God (1 Corinthians 2:14).

The spiritual man understands things fully because he is in tune with the Spirit (1 Corinthians 2:15-16).

I recall a time in my life when I knew I believed in Christ, but my actions didn't show it. Yes, I was saved, but I didn't give up. I knew the truth, but I wasn't living it. Paul would term me a "carnal Christian," which means that I still let my fleshly passions control me.

Things started to change when I started taking prayer, community, and the Bible seriously. And even then, it's still a fight every day, but I'm not doing it alone anymore.

Freedom Has a Name: 

 Romans 7:24 is one of the most relatable laments in all of the Bible:

"What a terrible person I am!" Who will save me from this body of death?

And then Paul answers immediately away:

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

We are not supposed to live in defeat. We are commanded to live free, and that freedom is threefold:

1. Freedom from the Consequences of Sin

Jesus paid the highest price. We are no longer condemned because of the cross. We are pardoned. (1 Peter 2:24, Colossians 1:14)

2. Liberty from Sin's Dominion

The Holy Spirit gives us the strength to say "no" to sin and "yes" to God. We're not perfect, but we're getting better. (Romans 8:13, Galatians 5:16-18)

3. Freedom from the Presence of Sin

One day, when we are with Him in glory, sin will be gone. That's what we hold on to in this fight. (Revelation 21:4)

So, how can we feed the spirit?

If you're weary of feeling spiritually dry or stagnant, here's where to start:

Read the Word every day. Not only for knowledge, but for change.

Be honest when you pray. God doesn't mind your mess. He wants to see you there.

Be among people that believe in you and will help you grow in love and truth.

Even when it's hard, say yes to doing what you're told.

Every day, ask the Holy Spirit to fill you. Not only once when you are saved, but again and over again (Ephesians 5:18).

A Reminder from Me to You

There are still days when I feed the incorrect dog. I still trip. But I've learned that grace isn't simply a one-time gift; it's an invitation to come back every day, to start over, and to walk with Jesus.

So if you're feeling weak, far away, or tired, return home.

Give the white dog food.

Please open the Bible again.

Talk to Jesus again.

Let the Holy Spirit have more of you today than it did yesterday.

You are not alone in this struggle.

🕊️ Your Next Step: Stand Up for Your Rights

Jesus already won the war; you only need to fight your battles with Him, not without Him.

💬 Where in your life have you been feeding the wrong dog?

🙏 Give that part of your heart to Jesus right now.

← Do you need prayer or support?

You may send a message or attend our next Bible study. You don't have to deal with this by yourself.