The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.  

~Matthew 26:41 ESV

Recognizing our clay feet is the first step in having victory in the battle between the flesh and spirit.

Once, on my way to church, the battle between the flesh and the spirit played out. I changed lanes on the expressway ahead of an oncoming vehicle. I had plenty of room to move over, but I guess I was going too slow for him because he started to ride my tail. He was so close that I could almost make out his facial features.

I pulled over, and he finally passed me and pulled in front of me. But as he did, he came as close to the driver’s side of my car as he could. He was making a statement. When his back bumper cleared the front of my car, I lay on my horn, which was not sending a friendly little reminder. If a horn could speak, it would have said, “Don’t do that again, jerk.” Our flesh is weak.

I lead communion at my church. On the Sunday following this incident, before communion, I told them I had committed a somewhat unholy act. Humility is recognizing our humanity. Admitting that we all have feet of clay is the first step in defeating what the Bible calls the old person.

Paul had this dilemma. He said, “For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate” (Romans 7:15 ESV). At the cross, God delivered us from the penalty of sin. After the cross, God delivers us (present tense) from the power of sin. Additionally, one day when we see Jesus, we will be delivered from the presence of sin.

Aligning our position in Christ with our practice in Christ is a process. Transformation happens as we take responsibility when the old person raises his ugly head. Sometimes it’s two steps forward and one step backward, which is okay if it is not one step forward and two steps backward.

God does not expect perfection, but He does expect progress. As long as we inhabit this mortal body, we will have a sign on our backs that reads, “Don’t be surprised. I am still under construction.”

Trust God for victories in the battle between the flesh and spirit.

Father, I trust in You for strength and wisdom to battle and win over the flesh. In Jesus’ name, amen. 

Genre: Non-fiction

Copyright 2025: The Battle Between Flesh and Spirit: Ken Barnes: All Rights Reserved.