|
|
Pursue Peace
By Suzanne Leitz |
Those who are Christians (who proclaim Jesus
as Lord of their lives) should show forth godly deeds and not deeds of the
flesh. The "flesh" is that part of us that fights against our reborn
spirit. The flesh is selfish and wants to gratify itself at the expense of
others. As Christians, our lives should be ruled by the Spirit and not by the
flesh.
One work of the flesh is strife. According to
Webster's Dictionary, strife is bitter conflict or dissension. Galatians
5:19-21 identifies strife and divisions as works of the flesh, and links them
with such practices as idolatry and sorcery. James 3:16 says where there is
strife, there is confusion (unrest, disharmony, rebellion) and every evil
work.
Instead of succumbing to strife in ANY area of
our lives (at home, work, church, etc.) and thus allowing confusion and evil
to reign, we should instead let our conduct be controlled by the Holy Spirit.
"Those who belong to Christ Jesus, the Messiah, have crucified the
flesh--the Godless human nature--with its passions and appetites and
desires." (Galatians 5:24-25.) We should aim at and pursue peace, which
is harmony and concord with others, and not be quarrelsome--fighting and
contending (2 Timothy 2:22-24). We should "fling away the works and deeds
of darkness and put on the full armor of light," conducting ourselves
honorably and not in immorality and in quarreling and jealousy. "But
clothe yourself with the Lord Jesus Christ...and make no provision for
indulging the flesh--put a stop to thinking about the evil cravings of our
physical nature--to gratify its desires (lusts)." (Romans 13:12-14.)
©
2003 Suzanne Leitz |
Galatians 5:19-21
James 3:16 Galatians
5:24-25 2 Tim. 2:22-24 Romans
13:12-14 |
