SCRIPTURE:
Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.
Galatians 5:24-26
OBSERVATION:
Paul the apostle explains belonging to Jesus changes the way we deal with our desires. He wasn’t speaking to non-believers but the Christians who are struggling. He does not say that the flesh disappears, but he says that it must be crucified. Crucifixion is not comfortable or quick. It is a painful and intentional act. This means that the sinful desires inside us must be put to death on purpose. They cannot be negotiated with or slowly entertained. They must be nailed to the cross.
APPLICATION:
Where I live there are a lot of strays cats, I can’t help but feed it. However, what you think was going to be just a simple feed, they keep showing up. They know the sounds of our cars that they start darting across the street. If I don’t feed it, they would Meow. If I ignore it, they come by my window and sit there and Meow all night. But they don’t let me pet them or play with them they just want to be fed. Sinful desires work the same way. The more we feed them with attention, thoughts, or small compromises, the stronger they become. Putting the flesh to death means stopping the feeding. (I might still fed cats, extra snacks for them for helping me explained my illustration)
I want to become more aware of the way I walk each day. Yes, even as a Pastor, as a long time running Christian and a child of God, I must continue to contend to keep in step with the Spirit. I’m always reminded of Pastor Wayne saying “The only thing that will never get saved is your flesh.” The enemy doesn’t care how I go down, as long as he takes me down.
However, I must keep fighting the good fight. I will try to slow down and listen to God before I react, speak, or make decisions. Instead of following whatever my feelings demand in the moment, I will ask myself whether my actions are being led by the Spirit or by the flesh. Paul gives detailed elements of the flesh, every time I read it, I check myself. It teaches me to examine the fruit of the spirit in my life. A person who walks with the Spirit will not always feel strong, but continue to choose the right direction. Step by step, the Spirit leads us toward freedom.
If you are struggling with something today, remember that your identity is not defined by your temptation. You belong to Christ. The old self has already been placed on the cross with Him. Every act of resistance is another reminder that the flesh does not rule your life anymore.
PRAYER:
Lord, I thank You that I belong to You. Please give me the strength to crucify the desires that lead me away from You. Help me refuse the voice of the flesh and teach me to walk closely with Your Spirit each day. When temptation feels strong, remind me that my old life has been nailed to the cross with Christ. Shape my heart to be humble, pure, and obedient. Amen.
