Being a soldier of Jesus (Part 2)

Bible verse for today: Romans 13:14 "Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh."

When we become a soldier of Christ, we battle against the world. The first thing to overcome is the desire of the flesh.

As Christians we are made to understand that to truly worship God, we must abandon every desire of the flesh as those desires are attached to things of this world.

The most likely point of attack by the devil is the flesh which is why we have to make a personal and honest choice within ourselves on whom we choose to serve.

We can then proceed to part with everything that can control the flesh in our lives and keep our spirituality in check by daily communication with the Holy Trinity.

The Word for Today devotional by United Christian Broadcasters (UCB) says:

The attack from the flesh. Your most vulnerable point is your ‘flesh’, which drives you to do your own thing. Its motto is ‘It’s all about me!’ From start to finish it ‘looks out for number one’, always wanting to be ‘first in line’. That’s the genetic make-up of our flesh. And it can’t be saved, sanctified, or spiritualised because ‘That which is born of the flesh is flesh…’ (John 3:6 NKJV) and nothing else. ‘The Spirit and your desires are enemies of each other. They are always fighting each other and keeping you from doing what you feel you should’ (Galatians 5:17 CEV).

So how do you control your ‘flesh’? 1) Make a choice. ‘…Choose today whom you will serve…’ (Joshua 24:15 GWT). During the American Civil War thousands of Yankee and Confederate soldiers were killed by ‘friendly fire’. Why? Because they lacked uniforms that identified the side to which they belonged. Be clear about which side you’re on, and let those around you know it.2) Cut the supply lines to the flesh. In war time, generals devote a lot of attention to blowing up bridges, highways and railways to deprive the enemy of the vital supplies they need to win. Your flesh can’t control you if you cut off its supply line. ‘…Don’t let yourself think about ways to indulge your evil desires’ (Romans 13:14 NLT). 3) Maintain regular communication with base command. Even well-trained soldiers with the finest equipment and best officers can’t win when they’re cut off from base command. So stay in touch: ‘Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion…’ (Ephesians 6:18 NLT).