“THE FLESH WANTS TO REASON AWAY ACTION TOWARD REPENTANCE.” – Rachel D. Lyne

This quote from my book, “The Apple,” is loosely based off Matthew 26:41 ESV, “Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

When we’re dealing with temptation or struggling with sin, it’s disgustingly easy for our selfish flesh to logically will away positive actions toward repentance:

“But he/she did this – it’s not my job to heal it.”

“But I find my identity in the world.”

“But I feel a certain way when I do this.”

“But I deserved that thing that may harm me.”

“But life is short, so I needed that experience.”

My friends, BE ALERT. We aren’t battling what we want to wear or what we want to eat. We’re battling for ETERNITY’s sake. Galatians 6:8 ESV says, “For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.” Our goal as believers isn’t to indulge in what we want whenever we want – it’s to sacrifice those things for the glory of God.

Worldly pleasures, desires, and tantalizing words draw our flesh in. And, let’s be honest. It’s weak.

However, deep within God’s children is the true longing to heal that relationship, to come clean, to feel whole in love and truth, to experience life abundantly, to lean into our identity in Christ.

So, what’s holding you back from repentance? Take inventory right now – what lies are your flesh telling you? How can you combat them? (Hint: Scripture, prayer, having an accountability partner, be involved in a Bible-believing church and serving, just to name a few). It’s not easy, fellow warriors, but I encourage you to take that next step today toward repentance though your flesh fights you tooth and nail. You can do this. God is with you. Eternity is at stake.

Matthew 26:41; John 6:63; Romans 8:5-13; Galatians 5:16; Galatians 6:8.

©2022 Rachel D. Lyne