Growth Inhibitor …
THE FLESH!
I was peering out my patio doors this morning and I was seeking the LORD regarding a plant that I have and asking why its growing potential was inhibited.
The roots are buried at the correct level, the soil is rich and ph balanced, and it gets enough water and natural sunlight. What the Holy Spirit taught me was and can be applied to our own human lives as well.
Although this plant had everything that it needed to grow huge, it is still stunted. Why was it hindered? Because I chose to ‘transplant’ it too soon it now has to adapt to a season it is not made for. Hummm …
I sought the LORD about applying this revelation to my life as well and I wanted to share with all of you that revelation.
What hinders our growth in our relationship with Christ? What causes us to lack the Spiritual maturity that we are supposed to obtain daily? Softly He whispered … the flesh. Humm… Now it was becoming very clear.
We as His children hinder His outpouring in our lives. Some of us are even seeking Him JUST for material gain. We are to set our minds on the things that are eternal not temporal. Ouch!
The flesh as an enemy is a New Testament idea focusing on carnal, inbred tendencies of fallen humankind. These inclinations are the most immediate enemy of the believer who desires to live a life under the control, influence, and empowerment of the Holy Spirit.
The Word says the desire alone to do good is not enough to overcome our flesh, Romans 7:21, “I find then a law, that evil is present with me, the one who wills to do good.” Paul teaches us through his own experience that the law cannot deliver one who is struggling against sin. While the law can enlighten one’s conscience, it is powerless to produce holiness of life.
We are called to war against the flesh; to live our lives in a tug-of-war as our flesh urges indulgence and the Holy Spirit constrains us to righteousness.
Victory in the war is found in; abiding in a right relationship with Jesus, Galatians 5:25, “If we live in the Spirit let us also walk in the Spirit.” The Greek word here is literally “walk in line with” … To walk in the Spirit is to walk along the path that He lays down for us.
Understanding that true strength is found in our own weaknesses, 2 Corinthians 12:10, “Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for “Christ’s” sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong. We MUST continually submit to the unction and urging of the Holy Spirit, Ephesians 5:18, “And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation {an act of ‘self’ indulgence}; but be filled with the Spirit.” The Spirit is to influence all aspects of our lives, overflowing in transformed relationships, dynamic ministry, and enhanced worship, which includes a personal prayer language.
Victory comes as we take these practical steps, avoiding or overcoming the pull of our flesh. James 4:4, Adulterers and adulteresses! “Do you know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.” In this verses God compares an illicit affair with worldliness (the flesh). Therefore living and getting caught up in our flesh allowing it to rule instead of subjecting it to Christ results in estrangement and hostility with God!
I think about my plant and how I allowed my ‘fleshly’ thinking to override the wisdom I was given about transplantation to hinder its growth. And, how much I have hindered my own spiritual and natural growth by allowing the ‘flesh’ to overrule the ‘spirit’…
LORD forgive us as we start anew and ask You to lead us and guide us into all truth by the Spirit. In Jesus Name!
In His Love,
By His Spirit,
I scribe His ♥
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