Live by the Spirit, I say, and do not gratify the desires of the flesh. (Gal 5:16 NRSV)
I hear this scripture all too often for my liking. It's not that I don't agree with it. I do. It's that I am tired of hearing it preached by people who don't live by it. It is not just the prosperity preachers who promote gratifying their flesh by their actions. It is also a lot of other clergy and lay people who would judge the prosperity preachers. The way we live; our actions, should at least come close to what preachers tell others they must do. If the Spirit of Christ abides in us, we will be more concerned about seeking the kingdom of God rather than seeking things.
Those who insist on saying that others must live by the Spirit and not gratify the flesh; then it would beneficial for them to examine themselves. If getting your car detailed is more important than serving or supporting others then I'd say you ought not be telling others to be living by the Spirit. If you have hours to spend shopping for that perfect, very expensive, dress for the weekend while insisting that you are spiritual, then I'd say your actions do not coincide with the words of your mouth.
Whether you live by the Spirit or the desires of the flesh is up to you. But; please, do not pretend that you love the Lord while you are busy trying to satisfy your self-gratifying desires.
Do not be deceived; God is not mocked, for you reap whatever you sow. If you sow to your own flesh, you will reap corruption from the flesh; but if you sow to the Spirit, you will reap eternal life from the Spirit. (Gal 6:7-8)
God's Peace - Pr. J
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