“The flesh wars against the spirit, and the spirit against the flesh.” — Galatians 5:17
I recently watched a short video on demagnetizing powerful, permanent magnets. One technique heated the magnet to a very high temperature — as high as 1390 degrees! The heat caused the electrons to spin. Then, they realigned within the heart of the metal. As a result, the magnetism of the whole object decreased. Voila!
Furthermore, did you know that our flesh is just like a sin magnet? Sin undeniably draws us. To put it another way, our eyes, hands, feet, thoughts, and words get us into trouble. I’ve counseled in heartbreaking situations with people. They were situations where people were specifically struggling (and losing) the battle with addictions of the flesh. Alcohol, drugs, and porn are very powerful sins.
What is the answer to overcoming our flesh magnet? Just try harder not to sin? Perhaps pretend you don’t have a problem? Maybe a healthy dose of guilt? No! None of those answers get to the root of the problem. Why? Put very simply, you still WANT to sin. That is to say, your flesh is stronger than the most powerful magnet.
Go After Jesus
Without a doubt, you need to get “hot” for Jesus. Allow Him to realign your heart. Additionally, let Him change what it is you “want.” Little by little, turn the temperature up on your relationship with Jesus. Ask God (by the power of the Holy Spirit) to specifically energize your affections, desires, and passion for Jesus!
Jesus tells us in Matthew 22:37 to “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” How do we do that? Let me suggest you take plenty of prayer walks and cry out to Jesus with all your heart. Also, spend extra time delighting in His Word just because you love Him. Then, obey what you read. Sing songs of joy to your King with a loud voice. And then go after Jesus with everything you have.
If you are struggling with sin, there is definitely hope for you. Get hot for God, and your “wants” will change. The power of your flesh magnet will undoubtedly decrease as you pursue Him with a fiery passion.
Burning for Jesus,
Posted in A Word from the Pastor