Podcast (daily-devotion): Play in new window | Download | Embed
Romans 8:12-13
So then, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.
“Mortification of the flesh.” Sounds kind of…well, mortifying, doesn’t it? That’s what theological writers of old called what Paul presents in our passage today. These writers understood the spiritual battle—the old life, ruled by the sinful nature, versus the new life, ruled by the Spirit. “Mortifying” the flesh meant to put it down, to bring it under control, or in Paul’s words, “put to death.” These theologians well understood that this was not a one-time mortification. While living in our human bodies, we will be putting to death “the deeds of the body.” So, here’s the question: How does one “mortify the flesh?” Two things …
First, we must live “by the Spirit.” That means to submit to the Spirit’s control. Our prayer at the beginning of the day is, “Lord, by your Spirit, please control my thoughts, words, emotions, and actions.” Before a difficult conversation, we pray, “Lord, on my own, I know my emotions will get out of hand. Please keep them in check.” After a long day, as we pull in the driveway of our home, we pray, “Lord, I am tired and vulnerable to being short, rude, and non-engaging. Please take over my words and actions.” Get the point? Pray for the Spirit’s control over every situation.
One more thing … use common sense to stay away from the things that tempt you. If you are an alcoholic, hanging out at a bar would be foolish. If you are susceptible to porn, don’t surf the net alone. Take steps with common sense to keep yourself away from those situations. If you have a problem with anger, take a walk by yourself when you feel heated emotions taking over. If you have a problem with gossip, don’t have gossipers as friends. You can make the spiritual life as mystical as you want to, but growth comes down to two things: The Spirit’s control and common sense. It’s that simple … and that hard.
Father, by your Spirit, control me today. Control my words, actions, thoughts, and emotions. Give me the common sense to know what to stay away from. Today I want to be both spiritual and practical for Christ’s sake. In his name, I pray. Amen.
Today’s Journey Message:
Tempted
If you have been encouraged, strengthened, or helped by The Journey Ministry, please consider partnering with us by sending a generous gift to The Journey. Your gift will help us continue to bring practical, spiritual insights to you and to thousands every day.
Thank you for giving – you are a blessing to us!
[maxbutton id=”1″ url=”https://onrealm.org/TheJourneyMinistry/give/now” text=”GIVE NOW” ]
I enjoyed this devotion. It put my desire, into another beautiful prayer. Many times I pray that, my words and deeds would be pleasing to God. Thanks and be blessed.