“Therefore, brothers and sisters, we have an obligation—but
it is not to the flesh, to live according to it. For if you live according to
the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of
the body, you will live.” Romans 8:12-13
When we receive Christ into our hearts we are no longer
simply creatures of flesh and bone, we have now added a dimension to our
lives. It is the spiritual
dimension. The ember that was flickering
within our soul has been ignited into a flame.
Our obedience to the standards set forth by God in the Bible fans the
flame into a blaze. Therefore, with this
in mind, it is our obligation to the Lord to live according to the Spirit and
not according to the flesh that is supposed to be dead. Make no mistake about it; your flesh will
attempt to rise up again at the most inopportune moments. You must feed your spirit and starve your
flesh.
The
misdeeds of the past are history, never to be held against you again. With your slate clean, what course will you chart? Living according to the spirit brings freedom
and hope; living according to the flesh brings imaginary freedom that turns
into slavery over time, for you become a slave to that which you most
enjoy.
Christianity
isn’t void of enjoyment; however, that which we do will bring us lasting joy
rather than momentary joy that fades over time.
There is no future in living to the flesh but disappointment and
emptiness. Unfortunately, many have to
find out for themselves, for the devil is a master of deception who makes
things forbidden seem essential. If you
don’t believe me, read Eve’s encounter with Satan in Genesis 3 (the Fall of
Man).
God
is not a trickster who delights in fooling us with promises that go
unfulfilled. He is our Heavenly Father,
the One who seeks to free us from our entanglements and lead us down the path
to life everlasting. Until next time,
walk with the King and be a blessing!
