Why are the desires of flesh bad for us according to the Bible?

When we give in to our fleshly desires, we are often putting our own desires above the needs and well-being of others. This can lead to broken relationships, hurt feelings, and a lack of trust between people.

The desires of the flesh are often portrayed as negative or sinful in the Bible. But why is this the case? And why should we strive to overcome these desires in order to live a more fulfilling and righteous life?

The Bible teaches us that our fleshly desires can lead us down a path of destruction and ultimately distance us from God. In Galatians 5:19-21, it says, “The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these.” These desires can consume us and lead us away from a life of righteousness and purity.

One reason these desires are considered bad for us is that they can lead us to sin. The Bible teaches us that sin separates us from God and His perfect plan for our lives. When we give in to our fleshly desires, we are turning away from God and His will for us. This can lead to feelings of guilt, shame, and ultimately, a broken relationship with Him.

Another reason these desires are considered bad for us is that they can harm us physically and emotionally. For example, sexual immorality can lead to feelings of guilt, shame, and regret. Impurity can lead to physical and emotional health problems. Lustful pleasures can lead to addiction and a never-ending cycle of seeking fulfillment in the wrong places.

Additionally, these desires can harm our relationships with others. When we give in to our fleshly desires, we are often putting our own desires above the needs and well-being of others. This can lead to broken relationships, hurt feelings, and a lack of trust between people.

The Bible teaches us that we are called to live a life of self-control and discipline. In Galatians 5:22-23, it says, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” By striving to live a life guided by the Holy Spirit and not our own fleshly desires, we can experience true freedom and fulfillment.

It is important to remember that we are not alone in our struggle against the desires of the flesh. In 1 Corinthians 10:13, it says, “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” God is always there to help us overcome our fleshly desires and lead us toward a life of righteousness and purity.

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Jamie Larson
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