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So then, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh—for if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body you will live.
Romans 8:12–13
We live out our Catholic Faith in our mortal bodies, but we must not live according to the flesh. The body is good, but in our weakness we tend to elevate the desires and inclinations of our body over the needs of our souls. Jesus overcame the sinful tendency of the flesh by living a perfect life and dying a sacrificial death on our behalf. Those who live in Christ have been given the power to crucify the “old man” and be freed from the slavery of sin (Rom 6:6).
To be reborn as a believer in Jesus Christ is a matter of the Spirit. We are called to live by the Spirit in order that we may reflect the love of Christ to the world. How will others recognize Christ if our actions reflect the fallen world in which we live? Our every word and deed must show forth the love of Jesus and the message of salvation. We must live as the new creations we are, shining as examples of faith, loving others sacrificially, and renewing the Church as the Bride of Christ as we reach out to the lost world and draw others into the kingdom of God.
Questions for Reflection
Where in your life do you still struggle to live according to the Spirit, and not according to the flesh?
How has the Holy Spirit helped you put to death works of the flesh and show forth the power and presence of Christ to a lost and hurting world?
How can you give support and encouragement to another man who may be struggling to live according to the Spirit right now?
Praying with Scripture
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such there is no law. (Gal 5:22–23)
You can learn more about the To the Ends of the Earth Series HERE
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Mark C. McCann is an author and Ministry Consultant with more than 30 years of writing and ministry experience. He has published articles for a number of Catholic magazines and websites including St. Anthony Messenger, Emmanuel Magazine, Liguorian Magazine, Catholic Stand, the Connecticut Catholic Men's Conference, and Homiletic and Pastoral Review. He recently published the 4-volume Catholic men's devotional, To the Ends of the Earth, as well as the 2021 Advent Daybreaks devotional and 2022 Lenten Daybreaks devotional with Liguori Publishing. He has also released his End Times novel series, Jacob's Dream: The Vision and Jacob's Dream: The Final Battle. He was a radio host and producer for 8 years at a Connecticut Christian radio station and has worked as a Catholic religion teacher/campus minister and a parish youth minister. He has also served the Norwich, CT Diocese as a Youth Ministry Director and Family Life Director. He currently lives in Connecticut with his Proverbs 31 wife, where together they have brought up three incredible children. He strives each day to live out his call to be a man of words. You can learn more about Mark and his writing at www.wordsnvisions.com.
