The works of the flesh

Spring: When the ‘Bares’ Come Out 

“SEX SELLS!” That phrase is an advertising axiom. If you don’t think so, remember to take special note of the underlying tones - some overt, some very subtle - of advertisements in TV and magazines. Sadly, such is now common the world over and especially in our country. From making a person smell more attractive to driving a bigger car, advertisers know that by connecting sex with success, people will seek that which is pleasurable.  And, unlike times of the past, sex in its varied forms is easily attainable through various media.

The church is not immune; culture challenges Christians to conform. I recall where some of the men who served the communion went to the elders expressing their concern for some of the women’s dresses. They felt it very difficult to concentrate on the Lord’s Supper due to the tight, short, and or low-cut dresses of some of their sisters. Both men and women must be aware and cautious for the spiritual welfare of everyone.

To handle this challenge, one must not rely on the past, the mores of our society, or on one’s personal feelings. It is easy to slip into the “if it feels good, do it” philosophy of our society. However, the spiritual person relies on a standard, objective truth which is God’s holy Word, the Bible.

Thanks to the wiles of Satan, there is always a struggle between what is biblically right and what we feel. Paul described this in Romans 7:15-17, “For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate. Now if I do what I do not want, I agree with the law, that it is good. So now it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me” (ESV). Does anyone think that any of us handles the carnal part of our nature better than did Paul? This was a struggle for him and it is for us as well.

When Paul wrote to the Galatians, he described the works of the flesh, “. . .for the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality . . . drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God...those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires” Gal. 5:16-24 (ESV).

Given this challenge, how do we apply it? Let us remember that God created us with sexual needs. That is biology. But He also gave us the challenge to manage those needs and to exercise them in the manner He has ordained- scriptural marriage.

So, “we are new creatures,” “sanctify Christ as Lord,” “crucify the passions of the world,” and, “offer your body as living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God,” are not merely catch phrases or song titles; they shape who we are continually striving to be. We must never follow the alluring standards of society as we seek Him.

          -Ken Smith