The Human Condition Pt.2 (The Spirit of Self)
TEXT: Romans 12:2TPT
“Stop imitating the ideals and opinions of the culture around you, but be inwardly transformed by the Holy Spirit through a total reformation of how you think. This will empower you to discern God’s will as you live a beautiful life, satisfying and perfect in his eyes.”
Why does the world consider immoral things to be normal (not bad) even when they know it isn’t right but they find an elaborated rationale behind these acts?
The answer is in us. Man can’t help himself even if he tries to change his ways or try to do the right thing. That is because many are still living by the old order of doing things which keeps them bound and influenced by the spirit of self [flesh or sinful desires (Ephesians 2:2)]
So, what’s self? It is as simple as saying doing things in a manner contrary to God’s way or trying to accomplish something beyond one’s ability. The truth is that self itself is our human sinful desires or nature (Romans 7:5) and when it is not in check, it can grow out of control.
Keep in mind that we can’t just control flesh by just thinking of it to stop (James 1:14). Because when man sinned and was cast out of the garden (divine presence of God) the result of that sin as recorded in Genesis 3:1-24 is that man died spiritually.
So, what was left in man was just him (flesh) and his imagination with no moral compass (The living spirit or nature of God) to guard him or to keep all the fleshy desires in check. As a result, sinful desires grew and got out of control to the extent that flesh became evil and sin seized the opportunity to dominate and rule over man.
