Friday, December 2
A clear choice
Scripture: Job 40-41, Romans 8
Romans 8:4–8 …in order that the law’s requirement would be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. 5 For those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit have their minds set on the things of the Spirit. 6 Now the mindset of the flesh is death, but the mindset of the Spirit is life and peace. 7 The mindset of the flesh is hostile to God because it does not submit to God’s law. Indeed, it is unable to do so. 8 Those who are in the flesh cannot please God.
Observation
Romans 8 is Paul’s beautiful explanation of our new life in the Spirit which is contrasted with our old life “in the flesh.” (See also Galatians 5:16-26)
The word “flesh” (GK sarx) is used in many ways in the New Testament. Here, Paul is not referring to the physical substance of our bodies but to sinful human nature independent from God. I describe the flesh as Selfish Me or Independent Me (separate from God).
Here are the contrasts:
- God’s requirements are fulfilled in us when we walk in the Spirit, but not when Selfish Me is in charge.
- When I live according to the Spirit, my mind is set on the things of the Spirit; when I live according to Selfish Me, my mind is set on…Me.
- Selfish Me leads to death; the Spirit leads to life and peace.
- Selfish Me is hostile to God and doesn’t submit to God’s will and cannot please God.
Paul’s point is that we have a choice now that we know Jesus. We can choose to live in the Spirit or the flesh—and it’s a clear choice. He calls us to walk or live in the Spirit.
Application
While the choice is clear, it’s not always easy. We human beings have a incredible capacity for self-deception and self-justification. I can rationalize almost anything I want to do. Selfish Me still exerts a strong pull—which is why here and in Galatians 5 Paul writes so strongly encouraging us to make the right choice, to walk in the Spirit and crucify the flesh.
This is an every day challenge! I wish that we could crucify the flesh—be done with Selfish Me—once and for all in a single great act of sacrifice. But this is a battle that isn’t one and done, but every day. This is why Jesus calls us to deny ourselves and take up our cross daily (Luke 9:23).
So today…I choose to walk in the Spirit. I choose to say no to Selfish Me so I can say Yes to Jesus. I choose life and peace.
Prayer: I’m grateful that I have the choice because of Jesus. Now I ask You Lord to help me today to choose You over me each time. Help me walk in the Spirit!