Spirit & Flesh
“For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would” (Galatians 5:17).
Why is it that we each battle with doing the right thing? We rise to a new day with resolve to follow the Lord Jesus Christ and let our light so shine before others that they may see our good works and glorify our Father which is in Heaven. We purpose to set our mind on things above and not things of this earth. We commit to pray, to study the word, to tell others of the blessed hope within us. We plan on being better today. But there it is. That wretched humanity and flesh that is contrary to the things of the spirit. And we cannot do the things that we would.
If you are in the fight it’s a good thing. If you struggle that’s evidence of a new life. Awareness and disgust of sin is evidence that you are in the battle. Seeing and accepting this reality is the foundation for growth and spiritual maturity. Admitting the flesh will never conform to the Spirit helps to get our focus off of the flesh and on Christ. Understand that your mortal flesh will always give you trouble until the day you put on immortality. This corruptible will act corruptible until the day we put on incorruption.
Does this reality offer excuse to sin? Does this truth provide a basis to live a fleshly and natural life? God forbid! But it does help us remember that Jesus Christ has given us the assurance of victory and forgiveness of sin. It helps us glory in the completed work of Christ. It helps us to look to the Author and the Finisher of our faith for daily bread and daily light. It helps us to deny the self life and turn our thoughts and passions to the only one who offers help in our time of need. It helps us understand the true meaning of His grace and truth and gives a new fresh zeal to know, love, and follow Him.
Jesus Christ is our victory. He is our hope, our power, our all in all. Why not purpose to know Him today through prayer and through the word? Memorize some key scriptures like John 15:1-5, Colossians 2:6-10 and Matthew 11:28-30 and absorb and meditate upon them throughout the day. Walk with Him today in faith. And when you blow it, thank Him for the finished work on the cross. Thank Him that your righteousness is not contingent on your good, pious, or holy behavior but on the completed work of Christ and His righteousness. Let this truth constrain you to follow Him. Unto Him be glory both now and forever.
