Trial and Error

03.14.12

Galatians 5.24 24 Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. NASB

When the flesh is dead its power is gone. Then why do we still do stupid things? The truth is: those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. This calls for faith.

Everyone has a propensity for something. Everyone has a weakness somewhere. God knows that. But what the Lord calls us to is to believe Him and walk according to the leadership of His Spirit. We must – in faith – believe that if we belong to Jesus Christ we are a crucified person and that His crucifixion is sufficient for us. The issue is power: the power of the cross or the power of the flesh. The truth is the power of the flesh has been disconnected through the cross of Christ.

Why do we still do stupid things? We still believe we are entitled to them or that there is some measure of benefit to us if we do them. The big thing is we ignore the power and presence of the Holy Spirit. Our life here is all about learning to live life there: in heaven. And what was good enough for Jesus Christ is good enough for us: He walked in submission to and in close communication with the Holy Spirit. And so as He walked, so should we walk. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh: it’s a done deal. We must believe that our flesh has been crucified. That’s why we belonging to Christ is so vital.

So, what do we do with this flesh and its passions and desires? We have two choices. One, we can in our own strength and will-power overcome it. Of course, when we do that we realize just how bad it is and how weak we are. The other choice is to learn to walk in His presence where such passion and desire are seen for what they really are. The bottom-line is the power of the flesh, no matter its appearance, is dead if we belong to Christ.

What I think that calls for is trial and error: trial: I’m going to give this over to Him and see what happens; or error: I know what happens if I go ahead and do… (whatever it is).

I work in a business where verbal comebacks are used to help the prospect see the value in what it is they are called to do. We say: we are trying to convince a person to do what they know they should do but don’t want to do. So, overcoming their objections is part of the process. At first we’re not always quick enough to comeback with something that may help change their mind. And so through trial and error we soon discover and employ tricks and tips that help in the process and get them to do what they know they should but they should.

Overcoming the flesh is kinda like that: we know and believe what the outcome is if we cave to it; and we believe there is great reward if we overcome it. The trial and error part is learning what works and what doesn’t; employing what does and avoiding what doesn’t. Additionally, we are armed with the truth that the flesh with all of its apparent power really doesn’t have what it appears if we belong to Christ: if we belong to Him we have crucified the flesh with all of its passions and desires. That’s worth remembering in the fight to keep the flesh where it belongs: nailed to the cross.