Changed by His Love
1 John 2:16: For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world.
God has given man certain desires, and these desires are good. Hunger, thirst, weariness, and sex are not at all evil in themselves. There is nothing wrong about eating, drinking, sleeping, or begetting children. But when the flesh nature controls them, they become sinful “lusts.” Hunger is not evil, but gluttony is sinful. Thirst is not evil, but drunkenness is a sin. Sleep is a gift of God, but laziness is shameful. Sex is God’s precious gift when used rightly; but when used wrongly, it becomes immorality.
Now you can see how the world operates. It appeals to the normal appetites and tempts us to satisfy them in forbidden ways. In today’s world we are surrounded by all kinds of allurements that appeal to our lower nature—and “the flesh is weak.” If a Christian yields to it, he will get involved in the “works of the flesh.” Everything God says about the flesh is negative. In the flesh there is no good thing (Rom. 7:18). The flesh profits nothing (John 6:63). A Christian is to put no confidence in the flesh (Phil. 3:3). He is to make no provision for the flesh (Rom. 13:14). A person who lives for the flesh is living a negative life. 1
Loving Him
If you are interested in the things that appeal to your lower nature, it is only a matter of time until you fall into the pit of sin. Stop when the enticing begins. Do not flirt with temptation, because your flesh will always win, no matter how strong you think you are.
“Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Matthew 26:41
Loving Others
Taking the good things from God and using them selfishly is a work of the flesh, and not the Spirit.
Make Me Like You
Lord, please teach me to be thankful for every good and perfect gift that You provide.
1. Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
