Daily Reflections, Saturday, December 1, 2007

Today's Scripture: Romans 6:11-16

Every year, a snake sheds its skin and replaces it with a shiny new layer once concealed beneath it. The dead skin neither easily nor instantly peels off, however. The layer of dead skin slowly peels off in one piece from head to tail. An intense struggle fol lows. The old layer, once a symbol of individuality and security, now hinders its smooth progress and must be removed.

The molting process fittingly illus trates the Christian’s struggle with the flesh. The flesh "made" the individual—it literally shaped his personality and chiseled his perspective. It fit him "like a glove"—until he was born again into the family of God.

At the point of conversion, the power of the flesh was suddenly broken. A "new set of skin"—the Holy Spirit—instantly took residence within him, beginning the struggle of a lifetime. If the Christian chooses to yield to the Spirit’s influence within him, he is able to resist the grip of his flesh. Though the flesh is not totally absent from the believer’s life, he can live victoriously over it, demonstrating the fruit of the Spirit in its stead.

Do you struggle to overcome the fleshly tendencies of your former life? Be aware that you can succeed, for the victory has already been won. Knowing the outcome of the battle will provide endurance for the fight.

Today's Quote:  You are not able to subdue the least sin apart from Christ. But, by the help of the Holy Spirit, there is nothing that can master you.—C.H. Spurgeon