Read Romans 8:9-13

But you are not controlled by your sinful nature. You are controlled by the Spirit if you have the Spirit of God living in you. - Romans 8:9a (NLT)

There is a constant struggle in our lives for control of our thoughts, our words, and our actions. On the one hand, our sinful nature wants us to put ourselves before anyone and anything else. On the other hand, God wants us to put ourselves under the control of the Holy Spirit, who will lead us to a life filled with love, joy, and peace. When we give in to our sinful nature, death results. As we trust less in ourselves and more in Christ, we will have abundant life.