Life or Death: the Power to ChooseSample

Day 6: Spirit Choice

Our natural reflex behavior mostly appeals to the needs and desires of our flesh. As broken, sinful creatures, we naturally gravitate to objects that cater to our five senses. Of course, not all outlets of enjoyment are sinful or inherently bad, however, valuable, eternal seeds are to be sown to our spirit, not our flesh. Sowing to our flesh will reap destruction (Galatians 6:8). Am I saying that when our stomach growls, we shouldn’t eat? Of course not. I’m saying when you’re lonely and your wife isn’t giving you the attention you think you deserve, it’s destructive to visit that pornographic website for validation.

Our flesh can demand fulfillment that often separates us from God. Jesus was faced with moments of temptation and resisted. He chose a higher authority and a higher standard. While we are certainly not Jesus, God has given us the ability of restraint and abstinence from outlets of the flesh (including, but not limited to, sexual in nature). Workaholics sacrifice family, idolizing fame and fortune. People who suffer from eating disorders usually feel affirmed and secure when they are “eating their feelings.” The point is, choosing to live by the Spirit over the flesh will inevitably create a greater connection with our Heavenly Father.

Things of this world that we allow to accommodate our fleshly desires above our spiritual commitments will become our idols and will ultimately drive a wedge between us and God. It is a choice to be lead by the Spirit and not our flesh, and this choice can either yield eternal benefit or temporal gratification. Choosing to play the long game of an eternal perspective will also pay plentiful dividends of abundant blessing here on earth.

Get Honest:

What spirit-lead sacrifices of the flesh will you make this week?