Sunday Reflection (March 26, 2023)
In Romans (8:5-11) Paul contrasts flesh and spirit in that a life lived “according to the flesh” brings death, and a life lived “according to the Spirit” brings life and peace. Bear in mind that when Paul talks about fleshly actions, he is not degrading human biological functions such as food and sex in their proper bounds. Rather, he means fleshly actions rooted in bitterness, hatred, competition, and jealousy (Romans 8:5-11). We can set our mind upon a “fleshly life” that takes no consideration of others into account, or we can live a “spiritual life” that recognizes our connection to God and one another and honors those connections.
We all have felt the heartache and despair that “fleshly”, destructive actions bring to human life. We know this from the actions of others and we ourselves can get caught up in bitterness, hatred, completion, and jealousy. Nevertheless, the Good News is that being guided by the Holy Spirit in the way of Christ brings about life and peace, and not just for us, but for the world around us.
