Fleshing Out

Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another. (Galatians 5:19-26)

Thought For Today:

How often do you find yourself operating in the flesh? How often do you find yourself operating in the Spirit? Most of us allow the flesh to get the upper hand every now and then.  For example, we get angry when others don't agree with us.  We call people names like jerk, idiots, dumb, and stupid when they do things that we don't like.  We do things for our secular jobs but not for the church, knowing we may get fired if we don't. On the other hand we just don't have time for the church even though it’s more important. These are all what I call flesh moments. I too have those flesh moments when I just want to reach out and touch someone, but then I realize I'm not supposed to do that. Paul said that they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.  In other words, as Christians we should be able to keep our flesh under control.   We should be able to bring our flesh into subjection to the obedience of Christ, so that we do not allow it to control us or our actions.  Therefore, we must live and walk in the spirit and not allow ourselves to be provoked by others. "Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them" (Psalms 119:165).  If you are having too many flesh moments, remember to follow the example that Jesus left us. If anyone had a valid excuse to go off on someone it was Jesus, but he humbled himself and so should we.