Thriving In the Combat Zone – Part 2
Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature. Romans 13:14
The attack from the flesh. Your most vulnerable point is your ‘flesh’, which drives you to do your own thing. Its motto is ‘It’s all about me!’ From start to finish it ‘looks out for number one’, always wanting to be ‘first in line’. That’s the genetic make-up of our flesh. And it can’t be saved, sanctified, or spiritualized because ‘That which is born of the flesh is flesh…’ (John 3:6) and nothing else. ‘The Spirit and your desires are enemies of each other. They are always fighting each other and keeping you from doing what you feel you should’ (Galatians 5:17). So how do you control your ‘flesh’? 1) Make a choice. ‘…Choose today whom you will serve…’ (Joshua 24:15). During the American Civil War thousands of Yankee and Confederate soldiers were killed by ‘friendly fire’. Why? Because they lacked uniforms that identified the side to which they belonged. Be clear about which side you’re on, and let those around you know it. 2) Cut the supply lines to the flesh. In war time, generals devote a lot of attention to blowing up bridges, highways and railways to deprive the enemy of the vital supplies they need to win. Your flesh can’t control you if you cut off its supply line. ‘…Don’t let yourself think about ways to indulge your evil desires’ (Romans 13:14). 3) Maintain regular communication with base command. Even well-trained soldiers with the finest equipment and best officers can’t win when they’re cut off from base command. So stay in touch: ‘Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion…’ (Ephesians 6:18).
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me cut off the supply line that gratifies the sinful desires of my flesh so I can desire You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen
It’s true! Cutting off the supply lines does help you reign in fleshly desires. But it can take a while.As a person who has made some bad choices, I can testify that even the strong desire for promiscuous sex can be reigned in once you call on God for help.
In my case, cutting off the supply lines included first: Praying. A lot. And frequently. Other things that I felt helped included refusing to look at “sex sells” advertising. physically turning my head away from the sight of x-rated things and not listening to music with promiscuous sexual messages. Even refusing to listen or read disrespectful things helped. Definitely no shades of gray stuff for me.
Take heart! Satan’s grip on your flesh grows weaker every day as Good empowers you! For me, it ttook months. But starrving the supply lines to ungodly desires really does work I still have remnants of the old ways, but they are not overpowering me now.
Praise be to God for He has pulled me out of the pit, and made me new by His grace!
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