Christian "purpose" and "meaning" in life.

[Confused Ape]

Galatians 5:16-26
New International Version (NIV)
16 So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever[a] you want.

So how do people walk by the Spirit? What are the instructions for achieving this?

If I wanted to contact my Higher Self, New Age style I can find the instructions on the internet. I often use Eckhart Tolle's method of being in the present because I find this exercise is useful for clearing my mind. I only had to read his book 'The Power Of Now' once to know what the technique is supposed to do and how to go about using this technique.

How far are we supposed to go in not gratifying the desires of the flesh?

Mortification In Roman Catholic History

The Roman Catholic Church has often held mortification of the flesh (literally, "putting the flesh to death"), as a worthy spiritual discipline.

While doing a bit of research for this I found something very interesting.

Excerpts from The Sayings of the Desert Fathers

"A hermit said, 'Take care to be silent. Empty your mind. Attend to your meditation in the fear of God, whether you are resting or at work. If you do this, you will not fear the attacks of the demons."

Here, again, we're told what to do but it's not very helpful when it comes to instructions for emptying the mind. If Christians want to do it they'll find some useful tips in Eckhart Tolle's book.