Daily Devotion — Galatians 5:19–21 — Deeds of the Flesh

Dismissing Dirty Deeds

Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing and things like these of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. Galatians 5:19–21 NASB The flesh is the line, per se, that separates our former life from our new life as Believers. Before crossing over this line, we dwell in a state governed by our impulses, desires, tastes, needs, emotions, environment, intellect, and many other factors. The span and control of the flesh is so far-reaching. This is largely in part because we begin naturally obeying the leadership of our flesh first in infancy and then as we age. Our stomachs say we’re hungry, so we eat; we’re sad or lonely, so we cry; we’re angry, so we lash out and do (or say) whatever may lurk in our minds. We make our choices based on how we feel and what we want. We are conditioned to respond as the flesh desires us to.

Deeds of the Flesh

This particular verse of scripture lists numerous deeds that are natural impulses of the flesh. The flesh doesn’t exclusively refer to physical acts; many…