We all sin.   We all have free will.  Our free will can lead us to sin or to a closer relationship with God.  Unfortunately, with our free will we often choose from what we know.  If you are choosing ice cream, your decision will be based on what you know. If you know chocolate ice cream is your favorite, but someone is offering you mint chocolate chip ice cream, which you have never tried before, more often you will choose the chocolate.  We choose from what we know or understand to be enjoyable.

Romans 8:5 Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.

Due to the fact we are in this world, we know what the flesh likes and we let the flesh make a lot of decisions for us.  When our eyes see something desirable whether it is a flashy car, delicious looking food or a beautiful person, our flesh will direct us to pursue what the flesh desires.

The flesh is always speaking to us, but its main function is to survive, and is only concerned with its current state.  The flesh is always interested in instant gratification.  The flesh does not look at eternity because it will not have a voice there.

Romans 8:6-8 The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.  The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so.  Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God.

People may feel when they are following the flesh they have more freedom, but actually they are in bondage.  They will be taken to places they don’t want to be, with seemingly no escape.  This is as simply seen in wanting just a few chips with a sandwich but the flesh keeps reaching for another chip until the bag is empty.

Mark 14:38 Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

Following the flesh is free will.  Free will is not forced.    God lets us choose what we want.  There will be consequences from our actions.  Some consequences will rob us of things we will never be able to retrieve.

Galatians 6:8 Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.

The way we step back from following the flesh is by seeking God.  When we get to know God more we begin to recognize the blessings He wants to give us.   When we begin to experience a relationship with God we begin to experience the love He has for us, God’s deep satisfying love.   God knows when we are based in love we will obey due to that love.  We must experience the love first.

Romans 8:14-17 For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God.  The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.”  The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.  Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.

If God took away our free will then our motives are not ones from love.  God wants to have children that chose the right way because of love.  God loves us totally as individuals, we are never out of His thoughts, He has so many blessings to give us, all we would have to do is ask.

Mark 12:33 To love him with all your heart, with all your understanding and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.”

God wants our relationship to be based on love. God wants our actions to be based in love.

Galatians 5:13 You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.

God’s love does not control us.  God’s love gives us freedom.  God’s love allows us to have free will and then our actions will bless us and others abundantly.

The Holy Bible is a very tangible way to get to begin to experience God’s love through fellowship.  When we sit with our Holy Bible and heart open.

Invite Him: Lord, come sit with me for a while and tell me about Yourself.

Written and posted by Joyce E Poggensee

Verses Referenced: Romans 8:5-8, Mark 14:38, Galatians 6:8, Romans 8:14-17, Mark 12:33, and Galatians 5:13