FYI this is mainly a note to self. It’s just a line of thought that went through my mind today. It’s not polished. It’s completely raw, but I didn’t want to lose it:
- Romans 8:12 ¶ So then, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. 13 For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.
Whether you take ‘flesh’ in Romans 8:12 to be ‘body’ or ‘sinful nature’ one point is clear: We don’t owe it, whatever it is, anything. If it’s the body, think of it this way – you owe it to yourself to have a treat. You owe it to yourself to take a break. You owe it to yourself to have some physical pleasure. If it’s the sinful nature – you owe it to yourself to gratify your desires, no matter how destructive they may be (for you, and/or for others).
What has your flesh ever given you? Why do you act as if you owe it something? My body is constantly letting me down, especially as I get older. And my sinful nature has never given me anything good. But I live as if I inhabit my own personal sacred cow.
We pamper our bodies, we clean them up real nice, we try to make them look presentable, we go to the spa, get facials, spray tans – your body only deserves the best. Why? So that you can be a god? So that others will admire you? So that you can win approval? You owe your body nothing. But you owe Christ everything. Make him look glorious by turning away from your self-centeredness. Do that and you’ll find life.
