Day 142
Romans 8:12
Therefore, brethren, we are debtors? not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. "
It can be a relief to us if we comprehend what Paul is saying in Romans 8:12. It may come as a surprise to most Christians that we do not owe our flesh anything. The only thing we can be sure it has done for us is cause trouble. So, why do we struggle when our flesh is tempted to do wrong?
If someone who has been nothing but a "pain" asks us to do something out of order, we probably would not struggle over whether or not we will cooperate. If they beg and plead, we may not feel we owe it to them to respond affirmatively, especially when it will probably get us in trouble. So why do we struggle with, and sometimes give in to the flesh, when it will hurt us?
The struggle is mainly a result of misunderstanding. We are three-part beings. We are spirits that have souls and live in bodies. Our spirits are supposed to be in charge. We need our souls and bodies to function on our planet. They assist the spirit. Some people do not know the distinction between the three parts. They have become confused at times about who is in charge and have responded without a clear understanding of what they were doing. Others are aware of the difference, but have not allowed the Word of God to saturate their hearts and minds to a point of a clear separation. They have responded to the flesh out of habit before they were fully aware of their illogical behavior.
If we will strengthen our spirits and train our souls (mind, will and emotion) with the Word of God on a consistent basis, we will be better able to stand up to our flesh when temptation arises. Romans 8:12 helps us understand the attitude we should take when dealing with the flesh. With this attitude, we should speak aloud to our flesh and "straighten it out." The more we grow close to God and desire to please Him totally, the easier it will be to speak up to the flesh and say, "It doesn't matter to me how you feel or how bad you want to do that. I don't owe you anything. You serve me. I don't serve you. I am under authority, and I take orders from Heaven. You will take orders from me! Now here's what we will do."
I do not owe my flesh anything. I will not serve it. It will serve me. We will glorify our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.