Having a Mary Spirit--Week 2

This week our study focused on the third chapter of the book, "Twisted Sisters". It spoke of our Flesh Woman. We all know we have a 'flesh woman' within us. Joanna Weaver, the insightful author, has us looking at various scriptures to see how we handle our lower nature.

The first scripture is Romans 13:14, "Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature." I am reminded that as a person that has always loved fashion, do I put too much emphasis on the outward appearance? Do I seek to clothe myself in what the world looks at as fashionable and not necessarily what I think is what I should be buying? I don't mean revealing, inappropriate clothing, but is a desire to have lots of clothes holding me back from seeking what God would have me be satisfied with? Is the outside woman too important to me?

I realize that in this scripture Paul is not referring to literal clothing, but it hit me that I may be trying to satisfy my 'flesh woman' by trying to put too much emphasis on appearances and maybe that fulfills something in my sinful nature. I know I don't want to look dated and pitiful, but my Mary spirit should shine through and perhaps I do focus on having more and more.

Galatians 5:13, "You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature, rather, serve one another in love." This verse says to me that I can't be self-absorbed and focus on myself, rather than seeking to serve others. Yes, the blood of Jesus has set me free, but this also gives me a responsibility to look for opportunities to share Christ's love. If I stay in my own little world, basking in what the Lord has done for me..me..me, I will not be looking for ways to help others and spread His love. I don't believe there's a certain formula for serving. I think He expects us to be open to his nudging to do what He would have us to do for others.

Colossians 3:5, "Put to death therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed." I take from this scripture that we must turn completely from those old desires. Putting something to death, to me, means expelling it forever from our attention. As Christian women we should be focusing on what is pure and uplifting, not what satisfies our old 'flesh woman'. This reminds me of a song by Nicol Sponberg, that used to sing with Selah, "Not You Again". The lyrics talk about our old self wanting to come back in the picture. The devil knows our weaknesses and he can use them to try and trap us. We need to keep our eyes on the Lord.

The author tells us that even after salvation, Flesh Woman tends to call the shots. She says it takes time and the dark corners of our heart still need to be evangelized. This reminded me that because we have become Christians we have not 'arrived'. There are corners that we may try to keep private and secretly hold old desires.

She gave the analogy that Flesh Woman is still our roommate, but as Christians she will not run the house. I believe having the awareness that she is there is vital. She can no longer control us, says the author. I find that exciting. I want to be Christ-centered and He will show me what He would have me do and where I should put my energy.