In yesterday’s devotional, John Knox when feeling approach of death noted how it is a hard battle between the flesh and the Spirit when one is under affliction. This definitely referred to the body of man as a whole. John Knox made us to know this when he said: “I know the grudging and murmuring complaints of the flesh…” Martin Luther was quoted saying that “…flesh equates the afflictions and desires that runs contrary to God, not only in area of sexual activity, but in every area of life.” With the references to these two great fathers of faith and world known reformers of faith, it is safe to point out these enemies within us which have messed up peoples’ lives. We may say these enemies are behaviours tended to give the entire body of human beings joy. This devotional will leave unrighteousness and sexual immorality yet for obvious reason.
Wickedness has nothing to do with sexual desire in relating with flesh as such. People who are wicked will attest that it is an enemy within. The mind of a wicked is always at war with the Spirit of good conscience, reason they are always on drug or heavy alcohol. So they have enemies within their bodies. Drunkenness is another mighty enemy within those addicted to heavy intake of alcohol. They battle with internal torture as their hearts and livers are over tasked. They behave cheerful on the outside, but regret their lives in private. Prophet Isaiah said they have woes (Isa. 5: 11; 22). The word “woe” conveys calamity, grief, anguish and troubles. Statistics show that drunkards record more divorces in marriages. Drunkenness has contributed to millions of death by accidents than wars. One Harold S. Martin wrote in Bible Helps Booklet no. 380 that 250,000 people died through drunkenness during the Vietnam Wars compared to 50,000 American soldiers who died in the wars same period. Drunkenness is still killing in millions.
A look at the word “lasciviousness” will open the eyes of readers of this devotional what is responsible to horrible sexual escapades in this generation. Lasciviousness is uncontrolled lust. Those with it are seen having indecent sex even in the public. Lasciviousness is responsible for the increase in all manner of immoral activities involving man making love with animals as well as increase in rape in our society today. Those involving in lasciviousness do not enjoy the game either. But they found it difficult to get out of it. This is a clear case of an enemy within. The Bible makes us know that those involving in unnatural sexual acts are given reprobate minds by God (Rom. 1: 26). Christians are to stay away from lasciviousness.
PRAYER:
HOLY SPIRIT, I invite you into my mind and heart today. Come and take over my human spirit in me and cause inner revival of my life in the name of Jesus Christ.
bishopubaudenyi@hopealivechurch