¹⁹ Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, ²⁰ Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,²¹ Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.” Galatians 5:19-21

“The only thing the Apostle asks us is to “work” not according to “the flesh” but according to the “spirit”. This means several tings. The flesh is a generic term not for bodily life…but for mundane life. The “flesh” includes not only sensuality and licentiousness, but even worldly conformism, and actions based on human respect or social preoccupation. We obey the “flesh” when we follow the norms of prejudice, complacency, bigotry, group-pride, superstition, ambition, or greed. Hence even an apparent holiness, based not on sincerity of heart but on hypocritical display, is of the “flesh”. Whatever may be the “inclination of the flesh”, even when it seems to point to heroic and dazzling actions admired by men, it is always death in the sight of God. It does not seek [God’s] glory, but our own satisfaction.” (Thomas Merton, “Flesh and Spirit”, Life and Holiness, p. 67)

Do not walk in the flesh—walk in the spirit. Do not define your life in fleshy matters—define your life in spiritual matters—not living a self-serving life—but a life of self-sacrifice. Yes, this all sounds good. But it goes completely against our human inclination, and of course how our society tells us to live. Society, especially 21^st century America, tells us to satisfy the flesh—gather as much as you can that personally makes you feel good, looks good, to live good. We are living among so many people who are living and walking according to a hoarding and gathering mindset. It is all around us. It is our choice—live according to the flesh—or live according to the spirit. We can only do it with the help of the Holy Spirit—and with the mutual conversation and consolation of our brothers and sisters in Christ.

Pastor Dave