Thoughts for another day

July 13, 2012.

Today's verse: Mk. 14:38 b. The spirit truly is ready, but the flesh is weak. (KJV)

(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

You know, the world has a term, 'mind over matter' which is a phrase to say that if you 'decide' in your mind, your body will be subject to your decision and you'll achieve what you set out to.  But, is that really so, for once in a while when I check worldly maxims that're common parlance in society, I'm astounded at the lack of inherent wisdom in them, particularly when they're juxtaposed to God and His things.  Our Scripture above when seen in this light, will make you note the correctness of it with respect to the persons it was spoken to viz. the disciples. 

How true it is that the drag of the flesh can come in the way of decisions made by man's spirit or 'the mind.'  We decide to do many things and are hardly able to achieve anything.  An alcoholic decides to shun the bottle, but the next week, the bottle beckons and he's back to his drinking ways.  A smoker decides to quit the stub and for a while he's smoke-free but come a month later and he's picked up where he left.  Now if these pertain to things in the physical realm and are harmful to you, how much more is the power of the flesh over things in the spiritual realm? 

Jesus' observation is truly a reminder that no matter what we say about our self-control, it is many times, not within our control to do or say something which either we do not want to do and do; or not say and say.  I've seen that when I want to spend time for God in prayer, I'll be inundated with countless reasons telling me I've so many urgent things to do and they're all important!   It's only by the Spirit of God that we're able to do the things of God and keep our vows made to Him.  To wit I must say that many may be the exigencies that go against us when we're poised to go God's way, yet His power steadfastly moves us toward our goal and keeps us focused on our Lord and Master Jesus Christ; by which also we're rewarded by Him in time to come.