So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 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. - Galatians 5:16-17
We satisfy self. We are empty, so we fill ourselves with food. We feel ugly or fat so we starve ourselves. We want love so we seek out quick fixes and relationships by getting involved with those who lack character, reading fanciful romance novels, or devouring unrealistic movies, including being drawn in by porn. We do not know how to deal with our life, our thoughts, or our emotions, so we pick up bottles of booze, of medications, or drugs and try to lose ourselves. Indeed, we are lost.
We feel like others do not understand, so we hide in our shells, lock ourselves up so that no one can see inside. We sit alone so we remain hidden or we slip on a fake smile. Perhaps we take part in endless activities, doing anything and everything to stay busy, because if we sat still, if we had to be quiet, even for a moment, our demons, our struggles come out to meet us. BUT!
We feel like others do not understand, so we hide in our shells, lock ourselves up so that no one can see inside. We sit alone so we remain hidden or we slip on a fake smile. Perhaps we take part in endless activities, doing anything and everything to stay busy, because if we sat still, if we had to be quiet, even for a moment, our demons, our struggles come out to meet us. BUT!
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. - Galatians 5:22-25
Instead of bringing these issues to God, sitting at His feet, we let our thoughts; our minds become bombarded by this world. Instead of feeding our Spirit, we feed the Flesh. Instead of being real at church, with our brothers or sisters in Christ, we hide. Only, what we do not know is that the longer we hide, the longer Satan has to get into our lives, the more our fleshly groans louder, the more we can miss Gods still-small voice in our lives.
This week, feed your Spirit not your Flesh. This week, go out when you would sit.. or sit when you would go out. This week, be open with a brother or sister in Christ that you trust. Stop hiding. Let them know what is going on in you, where you have been struggling, then ask for prayer. Finally, ask others what they are going through and seek out ways to pray and care for them as well.
May we start challenging ourselves to be more open and authentic, to make and create safe places where we can share life and faith, the good and bad. May we mourn with those who mourn and rejoice with those who rejoice. And in all things, May Christ be Praised.
~ Daniel Brockhan
Image: 1
This week, feed your Spirit not your Flesh. This week, go out when you would sit.. or sit when you would go out. This week, be open with a brother or sister in Christ that you trust. Stop hiding. Let them know what is going on in you, where you have been struggling, then ask for prayer. Finally, ask others what they are going through and seek out ways to pray and care for them as well.
May we start challenging ourselves to be more open and authentic, to make and create safe places where we can share life and faith, the good and bad. May we mourn with those who mourn and rejoice with those who rejoice. And in all things, May Christ be Praised.
~ Daniel Brockhan
Image: 1
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