Galatians 5:17 (New International Version)
17 For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want.
Today’s Scripture is a poignant reminder that within each of us there is a conflict going on. As Consuela has heard it put, a battle between our Flesh Man and our Spirit Man. In all of us there are desires to do both things of this world as well as things that God would want us to do. The question then becomes, which one will win out?
The flesh would want us to do things of this world – i.e. sin. It would have us live in a way that satisfies our hunger for acceptance, pleasure, or instant gratification. Our flesh, as the Scripture tells us, is “contrary to the Spirit.” Merriam Webster would tell us that contrary means either ‘opposite’ or even ‘incompatible with.’ So, anything that is not in line with the Word of God and the truth that we know would come from the flesh.
On the other hand, the Spirit would urge us to do things that are consistent with God’s character and direction. When the Spirit wins the internal battle raging in each of us, we are more apt to do things such as serve and love others, have a giving heart, and live in constant joy no matter what we are facing. So, when the Spirit is leading us, our lives have more joy, love, and peace. Does that sound good to you?
The question that could be on your mind at this moment is “What decides which one wins the fight – the Flesh Man or the Spirit Man?” I submit to you that the one that wins out is the one that would win out if they were two boxers or two MMA fighters. It would be the one that has been fed with the right things the most. It’s really a simple equation. If you feed your Flesh Man more, he will win. If you feed your Spirit Man more, he will win.
For me, I get wrapped up in TV. More specifically, I love to watch sports. However, in watching sports, I must be careful that I don’t get too drawn in to the story lines about the cars the athletes drive or the homes they live in. Also, I must protect myself from paying too close attention to what the cheerleaders are wearing or what the beer commercial has in it. These are all things for me that I must be protected against. And I do that by making sure that I am feeding my Spirit Man as much as I possibly can and turning the TV off as often as possible.
What kinds of things are you taking in? What music are you listening to? What movies are you watching? What books are you reading? What internet sites are you looking at? What thoughts are you having? In other words, if you are listening to music that is full of cuss words and sexual references, then which ‘Man’ are you feeding? If you’re studying your Bible and listening to Christian music, which ‘Man’ is that feeding?
As you pray today, ask God to forgive you for not being more selective in what you watch, listen to, and think about. Ask Him to give you the strength to go against mainstream society and not be drawn into a culture that is overrun with sexual images and inappropriate media. Pray that you would be the example to everyone around you and that you would feed your Spirit far more than your flesh. Commit to God and yourself that you will do everything you can to help your Spirit Man beat the Flesh Man inside of you.
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