Devotion:
Read Galatians 5:16-18.
Paul often uses the phrase “desires of the flesh” to refer to sinful sexual desires, and it would be easy to assume this is the subject of these verses. Paul contrasts living under these desires with living by the Spirit, reminding us that we are human and face choices between good and bad, Spirit and flesh. But, in this passage, “desires of the flesh” is being used in a more general sense to describe sinful behavior. Let’s read on!
In verses 19-22, Paul lists a number of “desires of the flesh,” some of which (sexual immorality, impurity, debauchery, and orgies) indeed are the ones we would have expected. Mixed in with those, however, are a number of very common human habits of divisiveness, such as hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, dissensions, factions, and envy. In a time when our culture is shifting, instead of showing restraint and looking the other way in the face of adversity, we are prone to expressing anger and perhaps even hatred. Road rage has become a hazard on our streets. We recruit allies to our side in our disagreements. None of these behaviors is led by the Spirit, and we are reminded that these behaviors are equated with sexual practices we know are wrong. As people of Christ, we are to live by the Spirit!
Personal Worship Option:
Pray for the fruit of the Spirit like love, peace, joy, kindness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control in your life. This fruit comes from allowing the Spirit to lead us instead of submitting to our basic human desires and tendencies. Pray for the Spirit to remind you in the moment of this choice we face so often.
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