You were called to freedom, brothers; only do not use this freedom as an opportunity to pursue fleshly desires, but through love slave for one another. 14 For the entire Law has been fulfilled in one commandment, namely: “You must love your neighbor as yourself.” 15 If, though, you keep on biting and devouring one another, look out that you do not get annihilated by one another.
16 But I say, Keep walking by spirit and you will carry out no fleshly desire at all. 17 For the flesh is against the spirit in its desire, and the spirit against the flesh; these are opposed to each other, so that you do not do the very things you want to do. 18 Furthermore, if you are being led by spirit, you are not under law.
19 Now the works of the flesh are plainly seen, and they are sexual immorality, uncleanness, brazen conduct, 20 idolatry, spiritism, hostility, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, dissensions, divisions, sects, 21 envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and things like these. I am forewarning you about these things, the same way I already warned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit God’s Kingdom.
22 On the other hand, the fruitage of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, 23 mildness, self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Moreover, those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed to the stake the flesh together with its passions and desires.
25 If we are living by spirit, let us also go on walking orderly by spirit. 26 Let us not become egotistical, stirring up competition with one another, envying one another.
“The works of the flesh” breed disunity. Fornication separates the one practicing it from God and adultery can cruelly separate children from parents and innocent partners from marriage mates. Uncleanness affects a person’s unity with God and with those who love him. One who has attempted to glue two things together knows that both surfaces must be clean before a proper bond can be forged. Engaging in brazen conduct demonstrates total disregard for God’s righteous laws. Each of the other works of the flesh separates people from one another and from God. Such conduct is completely out of harmony with the personality of God.
We can still live a real life just not practicing what God disapproves. (Proverbs 6:16-19) Jesus set the perfect example of conduct manifesting godly devotion. We can read the Gospel accounts of Jesus’ life.
Recall that godly devotion involves living in a way that pleases God because you love him and deeply appreciate his endearing qualities. (Col. 1:10)
“Become imitators of God, as beloved children.” (Eph. 5:1)
In general, living in the way of the flesh can mean living a “worldly” life. Meaning living a life unfearful of God and without regards for His commands and teachings. We are to live in the world, but not so much be a part of it. We are citizens of God’s Kingdom, and should live accordingly.
Unite Against Evil 