Devotionals
The Flesh
Gal 5:16
This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.
One of the most misunderstood concepts in the Christian life is the idea of "the flesh." What is it? How do we respond to it? Does it refer to just our bodies, or is there a deeper meaning?
Galatians 5:16-26 presents a bold, painfully honest picture of the results of living by the flesh. They include immorality, impurity, idolatry, anger, strife, dissensions, and other destructive consequences.
In contrast, a life moved and motivated by the Holy Spirit produces rich, ripe spiritual fruit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Which of these two lifestyles sounds more rewarding?
Many people desire the higher, spiritually-minded life and yet fall to fleshly sin time after time. They may cry, "I can't help it! My body is working against me!"
My friend, you must realize that when we talk about "the flesh," we are not simply talking about your physical body. Rather, "flesh" points to something deep inside of you, a carry-over from the old life of sin that was replaced by God's Spirit when you became a believer. Therefore, your "flesh" refers to the inherent, residual desire that leads you to act in ungodly ways.
Your flesh cannot be improved, disciplined, or changed. Instead, it must be completely replaced by your continual transformation toward Christ-likeness. Ask the Lord every day to make you more and more like Jesus. As He becomes the foundation of your life, your eyes will begin to move away from yourself and toward your true focus: your heavenly Father.
PLEASE ENCOURAGE AUTHOR BELOW LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE
Reader Count & Comments
Date
The opinions expressed by authors do not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com. This is especially true with articles that
deal with personal healthcare and prophecy. We encourage the reader to make their own decision in consultation with God, His Word, and others as needed.
This article has been read 801 times < Previous | Next >
Read more articles by Karen McKenney or search for other articles by topic below.
This article has been read 801 times < Previous | Next >
Search for articles on: (e.g. creation; holiness etc.)
Read more by clicking on a link:Free Reprints
Main Site Articles
Most Read Articles
Highly Acclaimed Challenge Articles.
New Release Christian Books for Free for a Simple Review.
NEW - Surprise Me With an Article - Click here for a random URL
God is Not Against You - He Came on an All Out Rescue Mission to Save You
...in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them... 2 Cor 5:19
Therefore, my friends, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you. Acts 13:38
LEARN & TRUST JESUS HERE
FaithWriters offers Christian reading material for Christian readers. We offer Christian articles, Christian fiction, Christian non-fiction, Christian Bible studies, Christian poems, Christian articles for sale, free use Christian articles, Christian living articles, New Covenant Christian Bible Studies, Christian magazine articles and new Christian articles. We write for Jesus about God, the Bible, salvation, prayer and the word of God.