You must put to death, then, the earthly desires at work in you, such as sexual immorality, indecency, lust, evil passions, and greed (for greed is a form of idolatry). Because of such things God’s anger will come upon those who do not obey him. —Colossians 3:5-6 (GNT)
Beloved, if you will go far in your Christian walk and experience the blessings of God’s presence in your life, you must be willing to deal decisively with the flesh. The Scriptures make it clear that we are to actively put to death the earthly desires at work within us, ranging from sexual immorality and lust to greed and evil passions. This is essential because these behaviors invite the judgment of God upon those who refuse to obey Him. Did you see that?
You might ask why we need to go to such lengths to crucify these desires. First, we do so because that is exactly what God requires of us. In your walk with Him, the goal is always to prioritize His will over your own personal impulses. Unfortunately, the desires of the flesh are usually opposed to the things of the Spirit. Therefore, the only way to truly follow God is to actively put those carnal desires to death.
Secondly, we must address these desires because they obstruct what God wants to accomplish through us. Living in the flesh short-circuits the workings of the Holy Spirit in your life, which ultimately cheats you of the blessings intended for you. To avoid this spiritual blockage, you must make the choice to shut down those negative cravings. This allows the Spirit of God to flow freely and unhindered in every area of your existence.
Finally, putting these desires to death is the key to reaching your highest spiritual potential. God has deposited great things within you that are meant to be achieved, but carnal desires often act as a drag on your progress. They function as a heavy weight that slows you down in the race of life.
Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us. —Hebrews 12:1 (NKJV)
Make a conscious decision today to become mindful of these influences. Instead of giving in, you must reckon yourself dead to such desires and alive unto God. When you lay aside the weights of the flesh, you gain the speed and clarity necessary to fulfill your divine mandate.
Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. —Colossians 3:12-15 (NKJV)
Today’s Rhema
If you want to experience the blessings of God’s presence in your life, put to death the desires of the flesh!
Prayer
Father, I am grateful for shining the light of Your Word upon my heart. I choose this day to work with knowledge and to put to death the desires of the flesh. I declare that as I do this, I come into alignment with Your will and purpose for my life in Jesus’ name. Amen!
