For this reason the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God's law-- indeed it cannot, and those who are in the flesh cannot please God.

Romans 8: 7-8

Water and oil don’t mix. Even if you shake it as hard as you can, when it settles down you will see the two in its separate and distinct form. Oil always rises above the water level. Just like water and oil Paul explains the distinction between that of the flesh and the spirit – ‘the flesh is hostile to God, it does not submit to God’s law – indeed it cannot.” So it is not just a question of the will or will power, it is a close proposition. The flesh cannot submit itself to God. This is the framework where Paul stands. Humanity, all by itself cannot do anything to please God. It takes an outside power to do so. We cannot fix the problem we need God to fix it. The coming of Christ, meaning the savior is rooted in this understanding.

I remember a friend who vehemently objects this perspective. He said; “this is the problem of Christianity, you begin with sinfulness and weakness rather than with the strength and the potential of humanity.” Lately, there was a news item about a rich couple in Long Island who was sentenced because they enslaved their two Indonesian house helpers. They were badly abused and the inhumane treatments they got were just unbelievable in a civilized society like America. As someone said, “I thought things like this happened centuries ago.” Yes many cruel things and those even beyond our imagination happen in 2008. There was a time when people thought that education will solve all the problems of the world. But it did not take so long for people to realize that education is not the overall answer and it is not a guarantee that educated people act morally and ethically right. Today, we have seen the worst of what humanity is capable in doing in spite of the “progress” we claim to have in all areas of life.

The group Alcoholic Anonymous has a 12 step principle in addressing the problem of alcoholism. The first two said; 1. We admitted we were powerless over alcohol — that our lives had become unmanageable. 2. Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity. This is similar to what Paul was advocating long time ago – we have first to admit that the flesh cannot please God. But let us also remember that this is just one side of the coin. God also provided for us a way out of this predicament.

Prayer

We are helpless, we are powerless

We need you O God. Amen.

[Like a seed planted in the soil, it is our prayer that God's Word will grow in us as we nurture it in our hearts. Allow the seed to germinate. Your reflections and responses are welcome. Please click on the Add a new comment icon below.] Past Daily Devotions are archived at the bottom of the Sermons page.