…those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. Romans 8:5 (NIV)
I was making some notes in my journal, reflecting on recent attitudes and trying to decide how to describe my struggle and annoyance. Finally, I could think of nothing better to say than, “The flesh is so tiresome.”
Have you ever felt like that? What Paul calls “the flesh” we often refer to as “being human.” We use it to excuse almost every behavior that doesn’t measure up. It seems that Paul had the same struggles when he writes in Romans 7 that what he wants to do, he doesn’t, and what he doesn’t want to do, he does. He doesn’t leave us hanging, however.
Paul moves on into the glorious eighth chapter of Romans that grandly informs us of our freedom in Christ. “…in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us” (8:37). The flesh is never going to cooperate with the Spirit, but through Christ we can ignore the flesh, discipline ourselves, and move with the Spirit. Rather than expecting the flesh to change, let’s just deny it and keep walking.
Father, this Easter time is such a time of good news. Those things that had bound us in the past can no longer be our lords because of Jesus’ victorious death on the cross. THANK YOU for the crucifixion, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. AMEN.
agodforeveryday 