sometimes when you find a pretty flower, the bugs do too. it's still pretty, although it'd be prettier without their skeleton shells and antler-like antenna crawling about the petals.
but if you look closely, you see yourself. i see me. i'm the flower... pretty because i'm created in the image of the divine God but there are pesty little vermin climbing all over me masquarading as my flesh. okay, enough with the bug verbage it's g.ross.
my flesh is evil, there is no good within it. my flesh is full of shifting feelings and emotions guided by hormones mostly. i am female hear me roar. totally kidding. i'm actually pretty quiet in real life. i cannot live by how i feel because that would lead me down a crooked path. we like to feel happy; fill our life with positive things - God given gifts that bring happiness - the love and tenderness of a child, the companionship of a spouse, the comforts of a home, the freedom of a cushy pocketbook, and fill in the blank. and while these things are gifts and good, they can still leave us feeling empty.
we create substitutes when we are guided by emotions... substitute our affections with the wrong things rather than fixing our eyes on the one whom our soul adores. C.S. Lewis explains it well: "If you look for truth, you may find comfort in the end; if you look for comfort you will not get either comfort or truth only soft soap and wishful thinking to begin, and in the end, despair."
if i live by my flesh i follow shifting shadows. if i live by Truth i set my mind on things above. plain and simple yet a constant daily mind battle. we have to fight for Truth. fight to live in the Truth of His Word. i hope you'll join me in the fight.
-carissa
"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." -Romans 12:2 ESV
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16 {comments}:
What a beautiful analogy, Carissa! I've struggled a lot with the concept of operating on emotion; this is a great reminder!
BTW - I love your new header and I'm so thankful to be able to follow your blog...fabulous photography, adorable kiddos, heartfelt messages...
Thanks for sharing and have a great Fourth of July!
Yes, I think the analogy is brilliant! When we walk by the spirit, we walk in Truth and light. Amen! You guys have a great 4th weekend, and you should definitely make that salsa! :)
beautiful, Carissa. I love the way you think. :)
beautiful!! This has been on my heart so much lately and you worded it so perfectly... thank you!
i LOVE <3 this post. so true & close to home for me...
& i LOVE <3, my beautiful friend!!
love this post. love all your posts, really :) beautifully written!
Finally catching up on this week's posts! Love the new header!
I'm joining I'm joining!! ;)
No, really. This is really good and I completely agree w/everything you say.
I needed to be reminded of the truth in this post. This was so timely and totally applied to my week. Thank you.
I adore your insight and how God uses you to enlighten others. Thank you as always for sharing.
Beautiful post Carissa! Thank you!
boy if that isn't the truth. the flesh is ick! great analogy. have a great weekend girlie.
Inspiring post this afternoon as I browse around blogland while sitting with my Dad at the hospital. May you be blessed with a beautiful week!
This is a great reminder, love the idea of learning about ourselves from God's creation!
This is amazing! Your blog is a wonderful reminder of the truth we need to remember.
Loved your analogy! And it's along similar lines with my post of not so long ago, entitled "My Thoughts are Like Ants?!?" (June 14). So, so true! Thanks!
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