Manna Moment - Sinful Nature Part 8

[Rev. Lyn Bell]

Galatians 5:19-21 “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. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.”

Good morning it is Tuesday already! Sorry Monday was a mass of confusion with waking up late and got super busy at work, couldn’t fit this in, although I studied for it. Well you be glad to hear, I found the beautiful chrysanthemum or my good friend found it and brought me one! I did plant this weekend as promised, pansies, ornamental cabbage and some collards! Yes collards in a pot, it will be my first time potting them. My brother-in-law use to do them all the time in Georgia, so I am giving it a try.

Today’s act of the flesh in our continuing study of sinful nature is dissension and factions (heretical division). Dissension literally means a standing apart. This describes a society in which the members fly apart instead of coming together. Often in organizations you will find a group that pull away or is against the grain or the vision. You don’t have to agree with everything, but using it to push your point and drag others with you is an act of the flesh when it creates fights or wars. Factions or heretical division is not a bad word in the Greek, because it means to choose and was used for any group who shared a common belief. The problem is that when people hold different views, they very often dislike the others on a personal level, instead of just disliking their views. You know like having a deep problem with some who is on the opposite side of you politically or morally. It should be possible to hold different views and yet remain civil. This is a problem we have in this country over moral issues as well as political issues. Our election time creates some of the nastiest people who proclaim Christianity. No wonder the unsaved don’t want to have anything to do with us. We can’t seem to separate the two and by not doing so, we create wars and fights. Definitely acts of the flesh and yes you will be turned away at the gate and not enter the kingdom. Oh well have a blessed day. Give it some thought the next time you disagree with someone.