Verse – Colossians 3:5
Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry.
Reflections
The apostle Paul does not soften his words in Colossians 3:5. He calls us to “put to death” those things that belong to our earthly nature.
This is not a suggestion but a command, because sin is not something to be tolerated or played with. It must be dealt with decisively.
When we entertain sin, it eventually takes root, grows stronger, and begins to shape our attitudes, choices, and behaviours.
From the very beginning, when Adam and Eve sinned against God, humanity has wrestled with this reality. Though they continued to live physically, their spiritual connection with God was severed.
Death entered, not immediately in the body, but in the spirit. Since then, the world has been marked by corruption, immorality, and rebellion against God’s design.
Every time we follow the desires of the flesh, we are echoing that same pattern of separation.
But thanks be to God, in Christ we are offered a new way of living. As believers, we are born again by the incorruptible Spirit of God. This new life is not about outward religious effort alone but about inward transformation.
The Holy Spirit dwells within us, empowering us to resist sin and to grow in holiness. This growth, however, requires intentionality. We must choose daily to strengthen our spirit by meditating on God’s Word, listening for His voice, and obeying His guidance.
Walking according to the flesh produces behaviours such as sexual immorality, impurity, greed, and idolatry. These not only distance us from God but also distort our relationships, destroy our peace, and erode our sense of purpose.
By contrast, walking in the Spirit cultivates love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These are not qualities we manufacture by willpower; they are the fruit of God’s presence in us.
To “put to death” the old nature is not an act we complete once and for all. It is a lifelong process of surrender and renewal. Each day presents us with choices, whether to gratify the flesh or to yield to the Spirit.
Some days we may stumble, but God’s grace is sufficient to lift us up and restore us. Through Christ, we are not powerless victims of sin but victorious children of God, equipped to stand firm against every spiritual opposition.
As you reflect on this verse, consider where you might still be allowing the flesh to govern your thoughts or actions. Do not be discouraged if you see weakness, but let it drive you to the One who gives strength. True freedom is found not in indulging every desire but in living fully aligned with God’s purpose.
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Self-Reflection Prompts
- In what areas of my life do I still feel the pull of my earthly nature?
- How do I usually respond when temptation arises? Do I fight it in my own strength, or do I turn to the Holy Spirit for help?
- How might my choices today draw me closer to God or subtly lead me away from Him?
Declaration
I declare that I will walk in the Spirit and not in the flesh. My life is no longer led by earthly desires but by the power of the Holy Spirit within me. I am renewed and reborn in Christ, living with an incorruptible spirit that is aligned with God’s purpose.
Prayer
Dear Lord, I come before You today acknowledging my weakness and my constant need for Your strength. Help me to walk faithfully in the Spirit and not to give in to the temptations that surround me. Guard my heart and mind from lust, impurity, greed, and every distraction that would pull me away from You.
Protect me from paths, relationships, or influences that do not honour You, and keep my steps steady on the narrow way. Grant me a heart of contentment so that I do not seek fulfilment in things that cannot satisfy. Anchor me in Your Word and Your truth, so that I may live with clarity and confidence in Your will.
Hold me close under Your wing, Lord, and remind me daily of Your presence. When I am weak, let me find strength in You. When I am tempted, let me find refuge in Your Spirit. May my life bear the fruit of righteousness, bringing glory to Your name.
In Jesus’ mighty name I pray,
Amen.
