Word for the day by Christian Education Forum
Good News to All
Dr. Binu Chacko
St. John's MTC, NY
17 For what the flesh
desires is opposed to the Spirit, and what the Spirit desires is opposed to the
flesh; for these are opposed to each other, to prevent you from doing what you
want.
Throughout time, we have seen the battle between light and darkness, the flesh and the Spirit. We are all battling something in our lives and are striving to succeed. In each of us there exists the power of the Spirit and the desires of our flesh. We have to ask ourselves, do we respond to the prompting of our Spirit or the prompting of our flesh? Often we behave like our peers, with or without peer pressures, conforming to worldly passions like fame, positions and possessions. It can lead to greed, hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions, envy, drunkenness, etc. Can this cycle be broken so we may inherit the Kingdom of God?
In our community, few show their weaknesses and seek help during their struggles. If we are willing to get help for our weaknesses, God can see us through the most difficult of times. Paul talks about the blessing of the thorn on his side, in the same way our weaknesses could be used by God for the glory of his Kingdom if we fully submit it into His hands. For the Fruit of the Spirit to shine through us we must admit our weaknesses of the flesh and look for God’s grace to help us overcome the way of the flesh.
Throughout time, we have seen the battle between light and darkness, the flesh and the Spirit. We are all battling something in our lives and are striving to succeed. In each of us there exists the power of the Spirit and the desires of our flesh. We have to ask ourselves, do we respond to the prompting of our Spirit or the prompting of our flesh? Often we behave like our peers, with or without peer pressures, conforming to worldly passions like fame, positions and possessions. It can lead to greed, hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions, envy, drunkenness, etc. Can this cycle be broken so we may inherit the Kingdom of God?
In our community, few show their weaknesses and seek help during their struggles. If we are willing to get help for our weaknesses, God can see us through the most difficult of times. Paul talks about the blessing of the thorn on his side, in the same way our weaknesses could be used by God for the glory of his Kingdom if we fully submit it into His hands. For the Fruit of the Spirit to shine through us we must admit our weaknesses of the flesh and look for God’s grace to help us overcome the way of the flesh.
PRAYER
God, give us the courage
and obedience to do what we need to do. Amen
THOUGHT
FOR THE DAY:
“Start by doing what's necessary; then do what's possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible.” ― St. Francis of Assisi
“Start by doing what's necessary; then do what's possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible.” ― St. Francis of Assisi