Faith versus Flesh

‘Time in the Word’ By Clayton Adams

Throughout human history every generation keeps learning the same important lessons of life. Seldom does one generation learn from the former generation’s struggles. Therefore, with all the human knowledge gained, freedoms and advances in technology, we sink deeper into depravity and ruin. Human knowledge and wisdom are not our saviors.

Failure is one of the many things each person struggles with. Failure to achieve a goal or dream can catapult one to become better, faster, stronger even wiser but failure can also move one into despair and depression, (Elijah is one example in 1 Kings 19).

I am working through a few failures in my life and I’m realizing some of my dreams will never be reality because I failed to be prepared or was hesitant to take advantage of an opportunity that came my way.

Failures and struggles are part of the DNA of the human nature. It is what we do with our failures and struggles that is our character and legacy.

Allowing the Bible to mold and shape and instruct us to live through our failures is supremely important.

“But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law.

Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.

Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. Let us not become boastful, challenging one another, envying one another” (Galatians 5:16-25).

Without Christ in my life I participate in the “deeds of the flesh”; with Christ in my life I produce the “fruit of the Spirit.” There is a fight between our flesh, (our selfish desires) and our desires to know and follow Jesus.

This fight between our Faith & Flesh affects others around us even though we even if we do not know to what depth or degree. Our faith and failures affect others. There are no secret sins we “get away” with.

There is always a penalty for sin and someone is always affected by our sin.

Our faith and failures affect others – always.

Our human spirit needs to be tamed, formed and molded by the Word and Spirit of God to grow the spiritual fruit of love, grace, mercy, kindness, compassion, sacrifice and forgiveness. Are you allowing God to mold your soul and spirit? How have you affected others throughout your life? What will be the testimony to your life, your faith or your flesh?

How is the fight between your Faith and your Flesh in your life?

Clayton Adams has a message of faith he would like to share with the community. He would also like to hear from you. E-mail him at claytonpadamslll@ gmail.com.