BIBLE PASSAGE:
“For if you live according to the flesh, you will die;
but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live.”
(Romans 8:13)
MEDITATION:
We have all heard the phrase, “It is a life or death situation”.
When we read Romans,
we see that the scriptures confirm we are in a life or death struggle ourselves.
We can choose life, or choose death by default;
we can choose not to choose, but if we fail to choose life, we are choosing death.
Some people are thrill seekers who thrive on pushing the limits of danger.
However, we can also endanger ourselves
by pushing the limits of sin and disobedience.
Not the limits created by man or the laws of nature (gravity, etc.),
but the limits established by God.
There is a distinct difference between those choosing death and those choosing life.
Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on
what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with
the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. (Romans 8:5)
Satan wants to convince us that we are created with certain desires,
so it is okay if we pursue the things we naturally want to do.
When he is successful in creating this type of thinking in us,
we will fail in our efforts to exercise self-control and restraint.
The truth is, we are all born with a ‘leaning’ toward sin
and only the Spirit of God can help us reverse this direction of our lives.
The fleshly desire culminates in death (not a death where we cease to exist,
but a death that involves agony, suffering, and separation from God forever).
Some preachers use Romans 8:13 as a backdrop for saying,
“Get right with God or you will die!”
It would probably be better if they said, “Get right with God so you will live!”
Both are true, but the former points to the negative,
while the latter has a positive spin – we can live now, and eternally.
Have a conversation with someone who has found the joy of living for Jesus.
Ask them questions:
“What changed in your life?”
“How did you accomplish replacing your natural desires with righteous desires?”
“Do you still have fun and enjoy life?”
“Do you spend all your time praying and reading the Bible?”
You will find that they have not sacrificed anything, but have gained a lot!
Sure, things are different when you maintain self-control,
but the benefits are unimaginable until you have experienced them firsthand.
The bottom line is, a life lived without Christ is a wasted life
ACTION:
Evaluate your own life and determine
how much Satan is pleased with what you do and say;
then determine how much the Lord is pleased with what you do and say.
Evaluate your attitudes and emotions.
Are you living a life that is defined as joyful, loving and peaceful?
Or, would others define you as living a life
that is full of sadness, anger, bitterness, depression, anxiety, etc.?
Going through this simple (or not so simple) evaluation
should help you get a better idea of where you are spiritually.
You could be unsaved, or you could be saved
but still failing to allow the Holy Spirit to be vibrant and effective in your life.
God loves us and His desire is for us to experience joy and peace.
When we are not enjoying what He desires for us,
then we need to look inwardly and determine what is inhibiting our joy.
It could be that we are in a rut (which is a grave with both ends kicked out)
and are too lazy, or just don’t want to become someone else;
or, it could be that sin is blocking our path to God’s Will.
Lastly, after making an honest evaluation, pray and ask the Lord to assist
you in the areas where you are weak (you know the ones, and so does He).
Pray,
“Heavenly Father, I want to live my life according to the Spirit, and
not the flesh. Forgive me for failing to develop restraint and self-control
in my life so that the Spirit can guide me in the things I say and do. Help
me to discover the peace and joy of living a life that is pleasing to You.
Thank You for Your promises to bless those who love, seek, and obey You!”
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