Fight the Flesh
“The devil made me do it.”
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But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.
Romans 13:14 (ESV)
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Flip Wilson used to blame the devil.
Admittedly, that’s too old for my time, but I understand the pop culture reference.
I wish the battles against temptation were as simple as always blaming the devil. But, alas, they are not.
My own flesh fights against me.
Perhaps this is one of the reasons why Paul was so adamant about beating his body and making it his servant so that he would not be disqualified from sharing the message of the Gospel.
Many people have allowed their flesh to destroy their ministry.
Or even taint it too much.
So, what are we to do?
Put Jesus in charge.
Practically, I think this happens best when we allow the Holy Spirit to direct things and bear out His fruit in our lives. After all, self-control is part of the fruit of the Spirit.
I’m not sure where the line of the Holy Spirit’s work ends and my own work begins.
All I know is that I have some responsibility. So, I take extreme ownership and assume it’s all my responsibility. I know that’s not factually accurate, but I’ve found it’s really the only way for me to operate without giving myself excuses.
Because, in the end, the devil can never make me do anything…
I always choose.
— Ricky Ketchum
Copyright © 2025 by Ricky Ketchum. All rights reserved. Unauthorized duplication prohibited.
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