INDULGING IN CARNAL APPETITES COULD LEAD TO SPIRITUAL LOSSES
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“But [like a boxer] I buffet my
body—handle it roughly, discipline it by hardships—and subdue it, for fear that
after proclaiming to others the Gospel and things pertaining to it, I myself should
become unfit—not stand the test and be unapproved—and rejected [as a counterfeit].”—I
Corinthians 9:27(Amplified)
Some words that I have heard used to
describe our society are, materialistic,
sensual, impatient, indulgent and undisciplined. Our culture has given in to the “have-it-now,” ideology of instant
gratification. Satan specializes in
presenting us with opportunities for instant gratification while promising us
that indulging our appetites will bring us the satisfaction that we seek.
Human appetites, in themselves, are
not sinful; in fact, they are God-given.
However, because of our fleshly weaknesses, they need to be controlled. When our appetites rule us, we are being
ruled by our fleshly desires which in turn lead us into trouble. Paul likened the Christian life to that of
athletes who are so focused on winning the race that they exercise self-control
in every area of their lives. “Do you not know that those who run in a
race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain
it. And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they
do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. Therefore
I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I
fight: not as one who beats the air. But I discipline my body and bring it unto
subjection, lest, when I have preached to others I myself should become
disqualified” (I Corinthians 9:24-27).
This is exactly how we are called to
live, yet we lack the motivation, determination, and power to do so in our own
strength. For this reason, we need to
rely on the Holy Spirit within us. If we
yield our lives to Him and step out in obedience to His promptings, we will
have the strength to say no when fleshly desires feel overpowering in our
lives. “I say then: Walk in the Spirit,
and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh” (Galatians 5:16). Paul went on to say that one of the fruits of
the Spirit is self-control and that when we habitually walk and live in
the Holy Spirit we will become responsive to and guided by the Holy Spirit.
The Holy Spirit becomes our guide
instead of carnal appetites because we have changed our focus onto the eternal
instead of the temporal. Many decisions
that seem mundane are in fact spiritually significant. A rich young ruler came to Jesus and pressed
Him about what he needed to do with his life.
When Jesus told him that he needed to sell what he had and to follow
him, the carnal appetite of the rich young ruler led him into a great spiritual
loss. Instead of following the leading
of the Holy Spirit, the man followed his own need and reaped the result of a
spiritual loss. When the Enemy tempts
you, he always tires to keep your attention on your own desires and pleasures
of indulgence rather than on the eternal rewards and blessing you are
forfeiting. Just remind yourself how
quickly immediate gratification wanes and how long eternity lasts, as you
submit yourself humbly to God and resist the devil (James 4:7).
Prayer—Father
I thank you for my God given appetites.
I submit them to you for your eternal glory and bring them into the
control of the Holy Spirit, in Jesus Name. Amen.
