But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things, there is no law. (Galatians 5:22-23 NIV)
Recently I was blessed with an invitation from the leader of a Links Fellowship to a weekend of golf at Whispering Pines, the top-ranked course in Texas. We arrived Friday morning with time to spare before teeing it up at noon, so we decided to hit the merchandise shop before playing—bad idea.
Before we could even enter the pro shop, we were greeted by a sign touting the Summer Sweater Sale. First off, I’m a sucker for discounts. Secondly, my coffee hadn’t kicked in yet, or else I might have realized the double entendre was intentional.
“50% off all outerwear” caught my attention, so I took a gander at the available gear strategically displayed on the outdoor tables. Looking closer, I noticed the sign also said: “Free if you wear it for a full 18 holes!!!” I don’t know about you, but I love a challenge as much as a logoed ¼ zip, so it was game on! I found a keeper and announced to the guys in the shop that I was ready to give their gauntlet a go.
I live in North Texas, so I’m used to heat, but I’m glad I didn’t read the fine print calling for 100-degree temperatures and 87% humidity, or else I might have wavered on my commitment.
Warming up, I knew it would be a challenge, but I convinced myself I was wearing heavy-duty sun sleeves. After nine holes, we did a temp check and the weather app said, “Feels like 108!” At this point, I was committed, so I played on despite being the only fool to fall for the pro shop prank.
It turns out I made it through the round, so I won. But I lost as well. Rather than truly enjoying my time with friends on an elite course in the piney woods, I was distracted by the dare.
Unfortunately, I find the fascination with the flesh also gets the best of me in my spiritual walk. Today’s familiar verse describes nine benefits of living by the power of the Holy Spirit. Sounds like a good deal, even better than gratis golf apparel.
Less well-known are the verses directly preceding the fruit of the Spirit. “The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions, and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like” (Galatians 5:19-21).
My hunch is that many of us fall prey to the flesh rather than submit to the Spirit. I am best equipped to be Spirit-led when I start my day in prayer, scripture, and quiet time with God. However, because of my sinful nature, I still too often fall in line with my flesh’s fancies.
I know I did that day. I let self-ambition detract from fellowship, fueled by my desire for a freebie.
The flesh is weak indeed.
Prayer: Lord, humble us. Let us be led by your Holy Spirit, not our deceitful desires.