Like many of you, I’d describe my life as fairly busy. My heart longs to be productive and do good—especially in helping others. But my flesh doesn’t always share that enthusiasm. There are times when my body feels tired and would rather slow down, take it easy, and be more sedentary.
When I have free time, aside from necessary rest, I’d rather be active than idle. I’d rather spend time with Renee, write Fresh Manna, tend to my garden, or get in a round of golf. I’d rather send a tweet that encourages someone. I’d rather connect with a friend or help a neighbor. I'd rather check off an errand or go for a power walk. Yet, despite this drive, my flesh occasionally desires to stage a protest while strongly suggesting, Let’s just do nothing! It craves laziness. And I hate that. Why? Because if left unchecked, laziness takes over.The flesh, given the chance, will always lobby for ease and comfort. And if I surrender to it, that’s exactly what I’ll become—lazy. I’ve seen this battle play out time and again over the years. There are moments when I can almost hear my body crying out, Will you leave me alone? I just want to do nothing!
But I refuse to give in because I don’t want to look back on my life with regret. Mistakes are inevitable—we all have them. But I don’t want my regrets to be about wasted time. Jesus has given me this life, and I want to make the most of it.
Few things in this world are as fulfilling as living with purpose. And when that purpose is to influence others with the love of Jesus, it doesn’t get any better than that. That’s why I must take charge of my lazy flesh.One way I do this is by committing to the opportunities I believe God is leading me toward. I maintain core disciplines—spiritually, mentally, and physically—because I know if I didn’t, my flesh would make excuses to stagnate. Left to its own desires, it would gravitate toward junk food and inactivity. So, I choose to eat well, cut out problem foods, and stay disciplined in exercise to keep my body strong. And I do so—daily!
But physical discipline isn’t enough. I must also refresh myself daily in God’s Word, draw strength from His promises, fall to my knees in gratitude and thanksgiving for all Jesus has done for me, and ask for His grace and help. I rely on Him for His wisdom and direction. And for His strength, motivation, and the right attitude working in me.
Over time, I’ve learned this truth: The flesh will submit to the heart when disciplined. It can be trained to cooperate. But if you give it an inch—allowing bad habits to creep in—it will take its mile and try to pull me down quickly. Because this is true, I stay vigilant with my time. With the help of God’s grace, I refuse to let my flesh call the shots. I lean on God's grace daily, pushing myself to do what is beneficial. Thankfully, Renee and I encourage each other in this pursuit.And in case you're wondering, I do let myself take a nap when I need one. I do take a day off for recreation and fun. We do take vacations at least three times a year. It's important to create those different-sized moments of resting your body and mind. And so I do.
Today, as I look in the mirror, I remind my flesh who’s in charge. My spirit—taught and led by the Holy Spirit—is the boss. My mind is allowed to think in line with God, or I make it be quiet. And my flesh has little to no say in my day. It’s a caboose—the last car on the train. It rides along and does what it is told.
Bottom line: when my spirit, soul (mind and emotions), and flesh line up accordingly, life is very good most every day! Putting God first and letting my spirit have charge over my mind, emotions, and flesh is staying anchored in the plan of God and making life beautiful!So today, I hold onto these powerful words from the Apostle Paul:
"Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize."—1 Corinthians 9:24-27 (NIV)
In His love,
Pastor Tim Burt
