Flesh or Spirit?

Flesh or Spirit?

We are alive in the flesh, we are here. We speak with mouths and touch with hands and walk on the earth with feet, BUT… when we choose our words, feel a hand in our hands or the dirt between our toes, we take these things in, understand them and react to them with our spirit. These things exist at a level much deeper than our flesh. They are the very core of who we believe we are.

Romans chapter eight speaks fully of the LORD'S promise given to those that overcome the flesh and walk with a spiritual mind, body and soul. This is not to say the flesh on its own is negative, in fact God created it to exist perfectly. It must be said though, we chose sin on this wayward planet and if we choose to use our flesh to attain anything ungodly, it does become dead, physically AND spiritually.

Romans 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. 
Romans 8:13 For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. 

God simply states, as He does many times throughout His word, we cannot be both. We cannot live after the flesh as well as the spirit, we cannot serve the will of man AND the will of the Father. He will not have it, He cannot. Nothing but goodness can enter His kingdom and trust me, He knows we can be good and wants that for us.

So what does it mean to be “living” in physical flesh but to be ALIVE in the Spirit?

Romans 8:8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. 

Romans 8:9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. 

Romans 8:10 And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. 

Romans 8:12 Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. 

When we desire with our flesh to selfishly attain power, vanity, glory or any material thing (things of the flesh, temporary fulfillment) to lead us then our spirits suffer, our connection with our Father suffers. We simply cannot dwell in selfish “here and now” desires and be spiritually inclined...at least not in any way the LORD will accept. 

Lastly, God wants us to enjoy this life, amen. If we had not fallen short by giving in to temptation, we would only desire goodness with our flesh to begin with. Since we have fallen short, He has mercifully given us grace through Jesus, to fall down and to get back up! We can certainly do much good with our flesh, our thoughts, words and actions CAN create a positive outcome, IF we are alive in Spirit. 

Romans 8:14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. 

Amen, amen, amen. 
Let His Spirit lead. Let His will become our will. Let our sin filled flesh lay down before the King and our spirits rise to the One who made us!

Hillsong United say it best, Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders, let me walk upon the waters, wherever YOU would call me.

Read His word and let His Spirit lead you :)