16 But I say, walk and live [habitually] in the [Holy] Spirit [responsive to and controlled and guided by the Spirit]; then you will certainly not gratify the cravings and desires of the flesh (of human nature without God). For the desires of the flesh are opposed to the [Holy] Spirit, and the [desires of the] Spirit are opposed to the flesh (godless human nature); for these are antagonistic to each other [continually withstanding and in conflict with each other], so that you are not free but are prevented from doing what you desire to do. – Galatians 5:16-17
Living an upright, holy and transparent life is one of the hardest things you will ever do. Many people embark on a journey of faith thinking life, things and people will fall into place. They presume that life’s storms will inexplicably pass them by. They conclude that hardship and emotional turmoil are all but dead—they are wrong. While it is not impossible to live a victorious life, the bible tells us that there is a war going on inside each of us.
Our flesh is continually at enmity with our spirit. The flesh and spirit constantly compete against each other always vying for control. Each one wants to assert its will and power so as to topple the reign of the other. Neither plays fairly. Neither wants to lose. The bible says that we cannot serve two masters. Who is master in your life?
If you find yourself controlled by appetites like food, sex, pornography, drugs, alcohol and the like, chances are your flesh is master of our soul. The desires of the flesh are never satisfied. It always wants more. The good news is it doesn’t have to be that way. There is a way to overcome the reign of your flesh.
But I say, walk and live [habitually] in the [Holy] Spirit [responsive to and controlled and guided by the Spirit]; then you will certainly not gratify the cravings and desires of the flesh (of human nature without God.
Contrary to popular belief, you cannot fight fire with fire. You must use the Living Water to put out the flames of your flesh. The bible explains that if we live a life submitted to the Holy Spirit, we will by default deny the cravings our flesh. In other words, being guided and responsive to God’s voice will automatically give us victory over our flesh. You don’t have to throw a punch or have a tantrum. Simply submit yourself to God, live according to His will and your flesh will be defeated.
Aparigraha teaches that abstaining from self-indulgence brings unity with God.
Our spirit desires to be with God, live for God and be in right standing with God. It craves His presence and desires to worship Him in truth and in spirit. Our spirit needs Him. Our flesh, however, has other plans which include emotional bondage, self-sufficiency and death. Love God? Deny your flesh.
Living an upright, holy and transparent life is one of the hardest things you will ever do. Many people embark on a journey of faith thinking life, things and people will fall into place. They presume that life’s storms will inexplicably pass them by. They conclude that hardship and emotional turmoil are all but dead—they are wrong. While it is not impossible to live a victorious life, the bible tells us that there is a war going on inside each of us.
Our flesh is continually at enmity with our spirit. The flesh and spirit constantly compete against each other always vying for control. Each one wants to assert its will and power so as to topple the reign of the other. Neither plays fairly. Neither wants to lose. The bible says that we cannot serve two masters. Who is master in your life?
If you find yourself controlled by appetites like food, sex, pornography, drugs, alcohol and the like, chances are your flesh is master of our soul. The desires of the flesh are never satisfied. It always wants more. The good news is it doesn’t have to be that way. There is a way to overcome the reign of your flesh.
But I say, walk and live [habitually] in the [Holy] Spirit [responsive to and controlled and guided by the Spirit]; then you will certainly not gratify the cravings and desires of the flesh (of human nature without God.
Contrary to popular belief, you cannot fight fire with fire. You must use the Living Water to put out the flames of your flesh. The bible explains that if we live a life submitted to the Holy Spirit, we will by default deny the cravings our flesh. In other words, being guided and responsive to God’s voice will automatically give us victory over our flesh. You don’t have to throw a punch or have a tantrum. Simply submit yourself to God, live according to His will and your flesh will be defeated.
Aparigraha teaches that abstaining from self-indulgence brings unity with God.
Our spirit desires to be with God, live for God and be in right standing with God. It craves His presence and desires to worship Him in truth and in spirit. Our spirit needs Him. Our flesh, however, has other plans which include emotional bondage, self-sufficiency and death. Love God? Deny your flesh.
©2010-2013 Minister Claretta Taylor Pam, Global Ecumenical Ministries Inc. and Universal Life Church Monastery of Massachusetts. All Rights Reserved
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