Why I Keep Having the Desires of the Flesh

Even though I'm saved by the Grace of God, I keep having the desires of the flesh, why?

This is a profound and relatable question many new and even some old converts ask. As a believer, you're not alone in struggling with desires of the flesh despite being saved by God's grace. There are so many reasons the struggle between the flesh and the spirit happens. However the aim of this article is not to dwell on the problems but to help you discover solutions in God. As you read, be blessed!

Spiritual Struggle

1. Dual nature: As a believer, you have a dual nature: the old, sinful nature (flesh) and the new, spiritual nature (Spirit). This internal conflict is a normal part of the Christian life (Romans 7:14-25, Galatians 5:16-17). This doesn't make it okay though, but it points out a problem that needs a solution and the only solution here is Christ. Be immersed in Christ, surround yourself with people who are truly in love with Christ and His way of life. Plan your life and schedule in such a way that you do not have the time or opportunity to sin against God. For instance, frequenting a night club with a group of friends who are hearers of God's word but not doers will not get you ahead with God. It puts you in a position to sin. Living in the same house with a lady who identifies as a prostitute when you are unmarried is a recipe for backsliding especially if you are yet to receive the Holy Ghost and if you choose to keep quiet about her lifestyle. Always speak up against the things that agree with the old nature (the sinful nature), speak up against sin because doing so communicates a message to your brain, your soul and the people around you that you have become a different person. Also remember, words aren't the only way to communicate that message of true change, your actions matter a lot as well.

2. Sanctification process: Sanctification is the ongoing process of being set apart for God's purposes and becoming more like Christ. This process involves struggling with and overcoming sinful desires (1 Thessalonians 4:3-7, 1 Corinthians 6:18-20).

Consider Biblical Perspective

1. Indwelling sin: The Bible teaches that sin remains present in believers, even after salvation (Romans 7:17-20, 1 John 1:8-10). Being aware of indwelling sin helps to correctly shape your mentality about the problem you may be struggling with and that automatically helps you approach the problem better. Understanding the root cause of the problems can help you solve the problem better.

2. Temptation: Jesus Himself was tempted in the wilderness, demonstrating that even the Son of God faced temptation (Matthew 4:1-11, Luke 4:1-13). Prepare to be tempted as a believer, temptations come. Having the mindset that you will be tempted will help you not to be overwhelmed when they come. It won't be a surprise and it also offers you an opportunity to respond better to such situations.

3. Spiritual warfare: The Christian life involves spiritual warfare against the flesh, the world, and Satan (Ephesians 6:10-18, 1 Peter 5:8-9). We do not wrestle against our fellow human beings but against principalities and powers, against spiritual wickedness in high places. The war against the flesh here refers to the battle against the influences of the flesh (its desires and proneness to deviate from the things and ways of God). The world refers to the mental (state of mind), physical (places and acts) and spiritual universe that are designed specifically to endorse sinfulness. Some examples of worldliness include gangster rap music which endorses drug trafficking, sex trafficking, smoking, drunkenness and premeditated murder to mention just a few. Other examples include websites, pubs, strip clubs , whorehouses and other establishments that encourage sex trafficking, fornication, pornography and adultery. The movies that glorify godfatherism, occultic brotherhoods, selfishness, violence, greed and bloodthirst are all forms of informal education (entertainment) but they are also tools of the devil and the Christian must see them in this light to be able to deal with them better.

My Advice

1. Acknowledge and confess: Recognize your struggles and confess them to God, asking for forgiveness and help (1 John 1:9, Psalm 51:1-12).

2. Seek spiritual growth: Pursue spiritual growth through prayer, Bible study, and fellowship with other believers (2 Peter 3:18, Hebrews 10:24-25).

3. Resist temptation: Use biblical strategies to resist temptation, such as fleeing from temptation, seeking accountability, and practicing self-control (1 Corinthians 6:18, 1 Thessalonians 4:3-7).

4. Focus on Christ: Fix your eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of your faith (Hebrews 12:1-3, Colossians 3:1-4).

Remember, struggling with desires of the flesh doesn't mean you're not saved or that God's grace is insufficient. It's a normal part of the Christian life, and God's grace is available to help you overcome these struggles.