Flesh Versus Spirit
So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 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 you want.
Galatians 5:16-17
Flesh versus Spirit is the war that we all fight, comfort of the flesh verse faith to follow the Spirit. Not all desires of the flesh are sinful, but God is not pleased when our desires hinder our Spiritual guidance. Satan can have us justify are fleshly desires so we aren’t aware of God’s view.
Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.” (Matthew 16:24) We deny our fleshly desires whenever it conflicts following Christ. If Christ is not first in our life then we are probably sitting on the fence and sharing our fleshly desires with the Spiritual guidance.
So, because you are lukewarm–neither hot nor cold–I am about to spit you out of my mouth. (Revelation 3:16) God is definitely not pleased with lukewarm Christians who are sitting on the fence. Now as we approach end times, it is time for every Christian to determine if they are on the fence or fully committed to Christ. Life to the full only comes when Christ is our life.
Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. (Romans 8:5-6) The mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace and that is what we reap when we give the Spirit priority over our fleshly desires.
Today recognize if your fleshly desires overrides your Spiritual guidance. Seek to follow the Spirit and pray for Spiritual guidance.
Prayer: Lord, guide me to give the Spirit priority over my fleshly desires and prompt the Spirit to tell me when my flesh is taking control over the Spirit. In Jesus’ name, Amen