Battle of the flesh and the Spirit

 

            Adam started a perpetual cycle of disobedience that has evolved into the chaotic world that exists today. This world is filled with endless sin and everyone “falls short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). God created the Garden of Eden as a Holy place for us to live and worship Him forever.  However, we in our flesh “became futile in [our] thoughts and [our] foolish hearts were darkened (Romans 1:21b). Starting with Adam and Eve, it has become our natural response to choose sin over worshipping our God. Even though we receive salvation and forgiveness through the death of Jesus, we are in a constant battle of flesh versus Spirit.

 

            How then, do we win this battle? Paul instructs us to walk in the Spirit:

“I say then: Walk in the Spirit and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusts against Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish.” – Galatians 5:16-17 NKJV

            By walking IN the Spirit, we are preventing our flesh from acting on our sinful desires. The battle between our flesh and Spirit interrupts our natural urge to pursue sin. The Holy Spirit that dwells within us forces us to truly think about how we are choosing to live.

            Paul continues on to describe the works of the flesh and the fruits of the Spirit. The works of our flesh are the everyday sins we commit as a people. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control…” Romans 5:22-23).  The fruits of the Spirit are a key element to walking in the Spirit. If we pursue these qualities and choose to live by them, we are choosing to live by the Holy Spirit, which is God.

            I encourage you to meditate on these fruits. Discover what they mean to you and what they mean to God. Pray for God to reveal the ways in which you can apply these fruits to your every day routines. You will be surprised how much peace you will gain when you begin applying these fruits to even the smallest of situations. I encourage you this week, and every week to: walk in the Spirit.

 

~Cassandra

           

United we Stand – In Love

Today is no longer just another day. It is a day that stands out in history not only for the events that took place, but for the events that are still taking place as a result from it. Thousands of lives have been lost - some for no reason at all and others for fighting on behalf of the rights and freedoms of others.

Even after twelve years, this day still brings pain and anger for people across the world. Unfortunately this has caused some of us to lose focus on what Jesus has taught:

“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” -John 13:34-35 NKJV

Jesus always emphasized the importance of love. Yet here we are hundreds of years later, forgetting this essential commandment. We are in a world that is focused more on revenge and worldly “justice” than sharing the love of Jesus. We let the pain and anger we feel take over instead of living as Jesus would.

As we recognize this day and remember the events that took place, I encourage us to also remember the powerful words of Jesus. We should not be showing hate or dislike for one another, but instead sharing the prevailing love we know. It is up to our generation to take a stand and show the love of Christ to everyone – despite the events of the past.

“Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.” – 1 John 4:7 NKJV

~Cassandra Whitworth

A Reflection of Labor

Every year, over 80 countries set aside a day to recognize and celebrate the working class. For many, this is a day off. People have BBQ’s or family get-togethers, and some just enjoy the day by relaxing.  This day reminds us of the hard work we have contributed to this world.

The Bible speaks a great deal on Labor and what it means to man:

“For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat.” - 2 Thessalonians 3:10 ESV

“The sluggard does not plow in the autumn; he will seek at harvest and have nothing.” - Proverbs 20:4 ESV 

"The soul of the sluggard craves and gets nothing, while the soul of the diligent is richly supplied." - Proverbs 13:4 ESV

The term “sluggard” used in these scriptures are referencing those that are lazy and not willing to work. The Bible clearly states time and time again how important it is for us to work. If we do not work, we will not eat, we will have no harvest, and we will crave but receive nothing. These are just a few repercussions the Bible warns us about! Therefore, a strong work ethic is important to have!

I recently heard a Pastor ask “Why do we tell others to ‘not work too hard’ when they are heading to work?” Most of the time we use this phrase in a joking manner – but it is the exact opposite of what God’s word commands us to do. We should always put our best foot forward when working. We do not want to become the “sluggard." With all of this in mind, let's look at these same scriptures in a different light. God not only wants us to work hard in a physical way, but in a spiritual way as well. We should be working every day to become more Christ-like.

“For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat.” - 2 Thessalonians 3:10 ESV

If we are not willing to work towards a deeper and more meaningful relationship with God through daily prayer and studying of His word, how will we be fed and filled with His light?

 “The sluggard does not plow in the autumn; he will seek at harvest and have nothing.” - Proverbs 20:4 ESV

If we are not taking every opportunity to share God’s word or help fellow brothers and sisters grow spiritually, how are we growing the Kingdom of God?

“The soul of the sluggard craves and gets nothing, while the soul of the diligent is richly supplied.” - Proverbs 13:4 ESV

If we are not striving to grow spiritually, why should God honor the desires we have? After all, if we are not living out His word, then our desires are probably not of God.

Ultimately, the work we do for the Lord is greater than any Earthly work we may do. Every day presents new opportunities to share the Gospel and new ways we can grow in our personal walks with our Savior.

Labor Day is a yearly reminder of our Earthly work, but it is up to us to remember our Spiritual work every day.

-Cassandra Whitworth