It is very easy to get caught up in what we want from life. These distractions can become so great that we can no longer intuitively hear God’s voice, but instead hear the whispers of our own desires in its place. We must constantly examine our wants in the light of God’s instruction and word else we plummet from His presence, like Icarus upon his waxen wings.
“Living according to the flesh” is shortsighted and self-serving. Sometimes this is disguised in the pleasing form of the platitude of “if it makes you happy,” but oft times immediate happiness leads to long term misery. It is best to think of it as you think of your diet. If you eat poor food, only basing your choices on how it makes you feel or if the taste pleases you, you run the danger of becoming very unhealthy in your body. If you eat good food, if you are conscientious of what you choose for its health and promotion of well-being, you will become more healthy and better able to withstand the trials of life. With consistent and disciplined efforts, the healthy foods bring even more happiness in the long term through good health. The same can be said for our spiritual health, where good discipline and consistent practice can keep us in the will of God.
There can be years of drifting from God as we *almost* follow His path, as we let societal concerns or what others say is right slowly pull us until what we think is serving God is serving our own ends. It can be a slow slide of rationalization, with “Surely this does not apply to my situation” or “The prophets were not aware of our modern world” until you are the one decreeing what you think is the word of God, and not listening to the true Spirit’s instruction.
So beware that you do not cause your own downfall. Remember that our only purpose as believers is to follow the will of God, and all other desires of this life should be subservient to that cause.
Written By Daniel Sprinkle
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