Scripture: “And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.” Galatians 5:24 (KJV)

The Stray That Won’t Leave

I like to think of the flesh as this stray animal, feed it once, and it keeps coming back, demanding more. It cries out for jealousy, pride, envy, lust, and indulgence. Each time we give in, it grows stronger, more aggressive, more controlling.

But here’s the truth: We don’t have to live enslaved to our old ways. Jesus calls us to crucify the flesh daily, to starve its appetites and refuse to let it rule over us.

The Struggle is Real

Dying to self isn’t easy. Some days, the old desires feel overwhelming. It’s like wrestling a giant with bare hands, fighting against thoughts, temptations, and habits that refuse to die quietly, so it is not easy. These are the moments when I will urge you to consider the Cross. It isn’t just a place of death; it’s also a place of victory.

It is the nails of discipline, the hammer of prayer, and the strength of the Holy Spirit that hold the old self down and though the flesh may scratch and howl at the door, the more you starve it, the weaker it becomes.

You cannot simply starve the flesh; you must feed your spirit. Fill yourself with prayer, worship, and the Word of God. Surround yourself with godly community. Make a habit of seeking His presence, because whatever you feed will grow.

Today’s Challenge: Ask yourself, what am I feeding today? Am I giving my flesh small indulgences that keep it alive, or am I strengthening my spirit? Take one step today, deny the flesh in some way and replace it with something that nourishes your spirit.

Pray with me Lord, I know the battle against my flesh is real. Some days, it feels too strong, but I trust that through Your power, I can crucify my old self daily. Help me to starve the desires that pull me from You and to feed my spirit with what is good and holy. Strengthen me through prayer, discipline, and Your Word. I choose victory today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Additional Scriptures for Study

Romans 8:13 – “For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.”

Colossians 3:5 – “Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry.”

Luke 9:23 – “And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.”

1 Corinthians 9:27 – “But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.”

2 Corinthians 4:16 – “For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day