For those who are according to the flesh and are controlled by its unholy desires set their minds on and pursue those things which gratify the flesh, but hose who are according to the Spirit and are controlled by the desires of the Spirit set their minds on and seek those things which gratify the Holy Spirit. (Romans 8:5 AMP)
So how do you tell the flesh from the Holy Spirit? There are two demands of the flesh that are in conflict with God. First, the flesh always wants MORE. It is never satisfied.
A leech has twin daughters named “Gimme” and “Gimme more.” Three things are never satisfied, no, there are four that never say, “That’s enough, thank you!” – Hell, a barren womb, a parched land, a forest fire. (Proverbs 30:15-17 MSG)
I don’t know about you, but when I think about what is described here, I want nothing to do with any of them. But these are really just imagery and synonyms for what our flesh is like. It is like a barren womb, a forest fire. It constantly demands more.
But God wants us to be satisfied. His Holy Spirit longs to take away our thirst and hunger for righteousness. He wants us to have joy and fulfillment. The flesh demands fulfillment, but it can never find it.
The only way to overcome the flesh’s demands is to deny it. From the start, with no compromise, it must be refused. If you give in just a little bit, just this one time – you’ll find that it is only the beginning. The flesh will always demand more.
He must increase, but I must decrease (John 3:30)
In order for His Spirit to increase in our lives, our own desires and importance must decrease. The only way that this is possible is through denying the flesh.
But what other demand does the flesh have? NOW! The flesh wants what it wants right now, and will not wait for it!
But those who wait for the Lord (who expect, look for, and hope in Him) shall change and renew their strength and power (Isaiah 40:31 AMP)
God tells us to wait upon Him over and over in the Bible. He tells us not to be weary in waiting. He instructs us to be prepared and watch for Him. And He promises that He will not be late.
The flesh is full of impatience and demands more, now. But God wants to give us fulfillment if we will wait for Him. So what is the flesh demanding that you give it today? If it’s asking for more and wants it now, don’t give in! Instead find a way to wait upon the Lord, through prayer so that you can live according to His Spirit.
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