24/10/2011 - PUT TO DEATH

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Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.

Colossians 3:5

This message is of fundamental importance for all those who wish to enjoy the abundant life that Jesus brought us. However, there are Christians who are led by carnal instincts and their behavior is in no way different from the unbelievers’ demeanor. Paul was used by God to say that we must put to death our human nature with its devilish deviations because one day we will be called to account for what we did with our lives.

Although we have been saved, our sinful nature will lead us to a dangerous detachment from the Lord if we allow it. Now, there are many children of God who are behaving improperly, dominated by carnal passions, which prevent them from being successful in spiritual life. Moreover, they set a very bad example by bringing scandal to the Lord\’s work and to the Name of Jesus, of whom they should bear witness with all zeal and love. This causes others to stumble in faith. Bear in mind that he who causes scandal in God\’s house will pay dearly for his mistake (Luke 17:1).

Some servants of God have sins they should never harbor. It is almost impossible to imagine that fornication, uncleanness, passions, evil desires and greed are transgressions committed by those who are called to be saints. If such practices are not put to death, they will lead many to hell. Therefore, destroy them all as soon as possible because if you are still dominated by these things by the time of your death, you will have serious problems on the Day of Judgment.

Prostitution occurs when a person relates sexually with someone other than his or her spouse, or when he or she practices adultery, homosexuality and other sexual deviations. Watching a pornographic movie, for example, is a sign that prostitution is present, as well as checking someone’s body out and start wondering what it would be like and what that person does in his/her intimacy.

As a matter of fact, intemperance in all senses, lust and evil desires must be weeded out from the lives of Christians. There are many people, for example, causing damage to their own health by overeating. But the body is the temple of the Holy Spirit (I Corinthians 6:19) and therefore we should not destroy it. He who has no self-control in relation to whatever catches his fancy will be held accountable on Judgment Day. Moreover, with all your strength flee covetousness, which is idolatry.

Paul said that all things were lawful but he would not let himself be brought under the power of any (I Corinthians 6.12b). However, the result of not observing God\’s guidelines is everywhere: people afflicted by obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure and other diseases, besides addiction to tobacco, alcohol and drugs. So, those who do not abide by the divine guidance contained in Colossians 3:5 will not enjoy the true pleasure of serving God.

In Christ with love,

R. R. Soares.