In Galatians 5:16- 24, the Apostle Paul reminds us that we must either give into the desires of the flesh (and worldliness) or obey the Holy Spirit. If we choose the world, and the desires and lusts thereof, we choose death, but if we choose to follow the Spirit, we choose life.
You know as you choose an activity whether you are doing something pleasing to God or not. Paul is not writing that we must never have fun, or that we must not delight in the good things God has provided. For God intends us to enjoy the beautiful creation of His world, to love our families and friends, to enjoy good meals, good music, good books. It is when we decline pure and innocent pursuits to go after what is more tainted and worldly, that we give into the lusts of the flesh. You know when that happens; instead of a wholesome family film, you choose a risque one. Instead of a novel you would recommend to your family and friends with a clear conscience, you read the morally decrepit one.
When we choose to dine on the world's fruits, our souls begin to rot; we lose the opportunity to appreciate the best and finest things for our senses have become dulled.
When we choose to listen to the Holy Spirit, and to choose the pure and wholesome fare God has set before us, the fruits of our spirit become evident. "By contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control."
What are you giving into? The world, or the Holy Spirit?
God's grace be with you,
Fr. Charles Butler
You know as you choose an activity whether you are doing something pleasing to God or not. Paul is not writing that we must never have fun, or that we must not delight in the good things God has provided. For God intends us to enjoy the beautiful creation of His world, to love our families and friends, to enjoy good meals, good music, good books. It is when we decline pure and innocent pursuits to go after what is more tainted and worldly, that we give into the lusts of the flesh. You know when that happens; instead of a wholesome family film, you choose a risque one. Instead of a novel you would recommend to your family and friends with a clear conscience, you read the morally decrepit one.
When we choose to dine on the world's fruits, our souls begin to rot; we lose the opportunity to appreciate the best and finest things for our senses have become dulled.
When we choose to listen to the Holy Spirit, and to choose the pure and wholesome fare God has set before us, the fruits of our spirit become evident. "By contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control."
What are you giving into? The world, or the Holy Spirit?
God's grace be with you,
Fr. Charles Butler
No comments:
Post a Comment