The Marked Life Blog

Day 25 – Stinky Flesh

Prayer Time Goal: 25 Minutes

As a woman, appearance has always been a component of my existence. From the time you’re a little girl prancing around in dainty little dresses, everyone “oohs” and “ahhs” over how cute you look. As you grow, you regularly get your hair and nails done. You perfect your makeup and skillfully advance your wardrobe. Being flawless, trendy, attractive, and fit are all part of the goals, right?

If we’re to be honest, some of us would stay out of the public eye completely, rather than go out looking “a mess”. Some of us even ease our own tension by stating up front, “Sorry, I look a mess!” if we run into someone unexpectedly.

Do we stop to seriously consider just how much maintenance (and money) we pour into our DYING flesh? Do we stop to consider that the very core of our struggle as Believers is between the spirit and the flesh? The flesh is literally weak. As we keep our bodies prepped for presentation, stop to consider the maintenance that your spirit desperately needs. Some of us need a good soul scrubbing and some spiritual cardio. Cute doesn’t matter if your spirit is ugly.

Ever wonder why it is such a struggle to do the right thing? Flesh. Ever wonder why you slip and say something you probably shouldn’t have and it shocks you? Flesh. Ever been gripped in addiction? Flesh. We know for a fact that we do the things that we don’t want to, and struggle to do the things we actually want to do. At the core of it lies the flesh. The rebellious, stubborn, comfort seeking, self pleasing, stinky flesh.

The flesh is the thorn of our human existence, but we have a Savior who is petitioning for us daily. Confess the hiccups and preoccupations you have with the flesh, and reflect on the areas of the spirit that need shaking. When we repent, we are forgiven, and when we surrender daily, we teach our flesh that it’s not in control.

I Samuel 16:7 – But the LORD said to Samuel, “Don’t judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The LORD doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.

Matthew 26:41 – Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.

Romans 7:18-19 – And I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. I want to do what is right, but I can’t. I want to do what is good, but I don’t. I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway.

Galatians 5:24 – Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.

Matthew 16:24 – Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me”.

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