“The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing.” (John 6:63 NIV)
Self grows large in isolation. I’m embarrassed to admit it, but I noticed it amidst yet another Zoom meeting the other day. The need to get my word in edgewise, to make a personal connection because quarantine has reduced us all to thumbnails on a screen. I examine my daily routine, my television and food intake, my thought life and overwhelming evidence solidifies this trend: our flesh takes charge when we fall out of community with others. My disappointment grows into disgust. I’m moving in the wrong direction.
The truth is: the flesh counts for nothing. It withers and fades like grass on a hillside. The Spirit is the only lasting component; therefore we cooperate to stay in step with Him. Flesh spotlights us, but the Spirit puts all the light back on Jesus. Self brings death, but Spirit brings life.
“So I say, walk by the Spirit and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so you are not to do whatever you want.” (Galatians 5:16-17 NIV)
We are not to do whatever we want. I don’t know about you but I need to let this scripture burrow under my skin a bit. I look back at the last nine weeks and realize that I have lived a little undisciplined. Quarantine has made me spiritually flabby. It’s as if I’ve given myself some sort of pass: life is hard, be nice to yourself sort of thing. But giving way to my flesh is contrary to my soul’s best interest.
“Since we live by the Spirit let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking each other and even envying each other.” (Galatians 5:25 NIV)
I’m not convinced that all this time at home alone is good for the Kingdom. We see it on social media; all the poking and prodding and criticism. In spiritual seclusion, we forget how to serve, how to love, how to die to self. The flesh gets proud when it doesn’t have to cooperate with anyone else. We can easily become conceited in isolation.
Lord, please convict us for whatever we’ve given way to in quarantine. Forgive us. Help us today to identify our flesh and also Your Spirit. Let us follow Your lead over our own desires. Humble our hearts as we consider others more than ourselves. Walk us toward right relationship as we stay in step with You. Amen.