God will make us all accountable to Him for every idle (painful, abusive, useless, wasteful) word that we speak! In my 25 years of counseling, I find many people who have been in church for several years do not seem to know about the works of the flesh.
Galatians 5 – letter by Paul to ‘born again’ believers:
19 “Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery (porneia – porn use),[a] fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, 21 envy, murders,[b] drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.” NOTE: “Will not inherit the kingdom of God.”
The works of the flesh are allowing selfishness to control actions. Allowing uncontrolled anger to lash out with abusive words to others is committing sin in God’s sight. How we treat others is how we are treating God!
22 “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. 24 And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.”
Our words are powerful! They can create life or create death in family relationships. God’s desire is for husbands/wives to be Holy Ghost controlled in words, attitudes and actions in the home. The home was created before the church. A Holy Ghost filled husband is to be the pastor of his home living godly by example. Then he can say to his wife and children, “Follow me as I follow Christ!” Submission will never be an issue because a wife and children will happily arrange themselves under a husband/father that is walking in the footsteps of God!
All of us have a choice to walk in the flesh or to walk in the Spirit and be Holy Ghost controlled through all circumstances. It is surrendering completely to God! Ephesians 4:32 (NKJV)
32 “And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.” This is a command from God to us, “Be kind to one another!” It is not a suggestion. If we claim to be filled with the Holy Ghost, then we have an obligation to be submissive to God and be kind to everyone. This is not based on an emotion. This is a choice to be kind as an act of obedience to God!
Many believers have anger issues that come from their younger years of life. If we do not process them through God’s truth that may include an understanding of the power of forgiveness, anger does not disappear on its own. In adult relationships, the unresolved anger can become extremely destructive. God has the answers in dealing with anger. We can choose to control our anger and learn to process it in a healthy non-harming way. God says, “Be angry, but sin not.” Read, study and obey Galatians 5 and Ephesians 4. Implant the Word of God in your heart and it will save your soul!
If you struggle with the works of the flesh, call for God-based counseling (636) 448-0121 by phone/Facetime/Facebook video/Skype. I teach for churches/conferences God’s Word for healthiness in all areas of life. Teaching CD’s, DVD’s, book: God’s Design for Marriage (teach Marriage Seminars) – www.carolclemans.org – 400+ articles. Watch teaching videos on Carol Clemans YouTube channel.
© Carol Clemans – Certified Pastoral Counselor/Bible Teacher – Mins. Ref: Pastor Daniel Batchelor, Dupo, IL. – www.carolclemans.org – carol@carolclemans.org – (636) 448-0121.