Faith v. Flesh

Paul’s letter to the Romans takes place near the end of his ministry.  It includes his mature reflections on the Christian life.  In the seventh chapter he writes, “For I know that nothing good dwells within me, that is, in my flesh.  I can will what is right, but I cannot do it.  For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I do.”

In spite of our best efforts we still lose our temper, say things we shouldn’t have and may not accomplish everything we want in this life.  Lust, greed, envy and pride are all day every day temptations.

It is only when we understand that this flesh is rebellious, wants everything in it’s path and can only be tamed with faith, that life changes.  Faith and the belief in God is the only context in which our being makes sense.  We are given life freely by our Creator.  We can choose to follow him or reject him, we can pick earth or eternity and convenience or Christ.  We choose to tame the flesh by faith or feed its every desire and ultimately choose death.

Pastor Shawn, Seymour UMC

Author of Incomplete

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