Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh.(Romans 13:13-14)
Like
Augustine back in the fourth century, we too can be persuaded by these words of the Apostle Paul. If these inspired words by Paul could turn Augustine from one controlled by his lusts, then we too can make the decision to follow Christ more closely. We must make no space for lust to control our actions, but rather "clothe" ourselves in Christ!
The flesh tears at our hearts. Human desires pull at the center of our being. Yet we must stay diligent to allow the Holy Spirit to control us. Physical and emotional needs can dominate our day and night. However, we must not become controlled by them. We must not be drunk with anything . . .
thoughts or actual actions . . .except the Holy Spirit!(Ephesians 5:18) He alone must be given control.
Can this possibly occur in one's life? Yes, of course. Is it easy? No! It is never easy to commit to a life of honoring Christ. It is never easy to make the decision to turn away from our physical desires. Don't let anyone fool you. But
it is possible through Christ!
It begins with
today . . .
right now! Like any soldier, we must prepare for a daily battle and put on the proper gear. Warfare requires the right gear and weaponry. We need the proper leadership as well as tools. We need fellow soldiers beside us to carry us when we are wounded.
God has given us a plan, now we must make specific plans to follow His directions to win this war with lusts!(Ephesians 6:11)
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