Why is it so hard for us to be "good"?

[Hopeful]

I apologize as I thought that was what you meant. It's all good.

No apology is necessary, as fasting is generally thought of in terms of food and drink.
But as you pointed out, it could be "time" on social media or in front of a TV.
It could be "money" unspent for a week.
Or any other thing that the "skin and bones wants".
I use the term "skin and bones" in lieu of the word "flesh", so as not to mix up the fleshly mind, which is done away with at baptism, and the muscles, tendons, and so forth of the vessel the Holy Ghost abides in.

 

[Serving Zion]

No apology is necessary, as fasting is generally thought of in terms of food and drink.
But as you pointed out, it could be "time" on social media or in front of a TV.
It could be "money" unspent for a week.
Or any other thing that the "skin and bones wants".
I use the term "skin and bones" in lieu of the word "flesh", so as not to mix up the fleshly mind, which is done away with at baptism, and the muscles, tendons, and so forth of the vessel the Holy Ghost abides in.

It is through the desires of the flesh that sin gets power over the Holy Spirit by luring us into obedience to it (James 1:14). For instance, when you have to choose whether to listen to Television mocking God just because it has offered comedy to make you laugh, which one do you choose? (Proverbs 29:4) That is why it is written "do not be grieving the Holy Spirit", because it literally is a choice you are making as to whom you will serve. Most people don't realise that words are food for the soul, and that the Word of God gives life while the world's ways are corrupting.

 

[EvolvingChristian]

That is how fasting brings us nearer to God.

Thank you for sharing all of that with me!

 

[Hopeful]

It is through the desires of the flesh that sin gets power over the Holy Spirit by luring us into obedience to it (James 1:14). For instance, when you have to choose whether to listen to Television mocking God just because it has offered comedy to make you laugh, which one do you choose? (Proverbs 29:4) That is why it is written "do not be grieving the Holy Spirit", because it literally is a choice you are making as to whom you will serve. Most people don't realise that words are food for the soul, and that the Word of God gives life while the world's ways are corrupting.

Amen to that.
I'm glad God gave us this verse..."And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts." (Gal 5:24)
Without the flesh(ly mind) one can't commit sin.

 

[EvolvingChristian]

Without the flesh(ly mind) one can't commit sin.

May I ask, my friend, how do you know that please? Thank you.

 

[Corn Pop]

I am selfish in many ways but also depending on the situation. You see my good friend said i was selfish and never go out of my way for mates and i said it depends on the situation.

Would you call this selfish?

I finish work and drive half hour to go for a peaceful fish and a friend who hardly rings me wants to go for a fish but has had a few beers and does not want to drink and drive, thats a good thing, responsible thinking, i already just got to the fishing spot so im not going to pack up and drive all the way back to town just to pick him up. Im not his mother.

Our other friend who lives out these ways who called me selfish, i sent a message come for a fish and he just reply no, then i tried ring and he hung up on me.

I could be wrong but i think the two are drinking and wanted me to bring him out so they could party and because i didnt im selfish or because i did not pick him up.

 

[EvolvingChristian]

I am selfish in many ways also depending on the situation. You see my good friend said i was selfish and dont go puof my way for mates and i said it depends on the situation.

Would you call this selfish?

I finish work and drive half hour to go for a fish and a friend who hardly rings me wants to go for a fish but has had a few beers and does not want to drink and drive, thats a good thing, responsible thinking, i already just got to the fishing spot so im not going to pack up and drive all the way back to town just to pick him up. Im not his mother.

Our other friend who lives out these ways who called me selfish, i sent a message come for a fish and he just reply no, then i tried ring and he hung up on me.

I could be wrong but i think the two are drinking and wanted me to bring him out so they could party and because i didnt im selfish or because i did not pick him up.

It's hard enough to follow Christ without friends that want to take us in another direction. It's also hard to disassociate from our friends. I I guess we have to choose between following Christ or following someone else, such as our friends.

2 Corinthians 6:14–15

14 Do not be mismatched with unbelievers. For what partnership is there between righteousness and lawlessness? Or what fellowship is there between light and darkness? 15 What agreement does Christ have with Beliar? Or what does a believer share with an unbeliever?

 

[humble soul]

I am selfish in many ways but also depending on the situation. You see my good friend said i was selfish and never go out of my way for mates and i said it depends on the situation.

Would you call this selfish?

I finish work and drive half hour to go for a peaceful fish and a friend who hardly rings me wants to go for a fish but has had a few beers and does not want to drink and drive, thats a good thing, responsible thinking, i already just got to the fishing spot so im not going to pack up and drive all the way back to town just to pick him up. Im not his mother.

Our other friend who lives out these ways who called me selfish, i sent a message come for a fish and he just reply no, then i tried ring and he hung up on me.

I could be wrong but i think the two are drinking and wanted me to bring him out so they could party and because i didnt im selfish or because i did not pick him up.

I think you might be shell fish

 

[Corn Pop]

I still got the faith of a mustard seed, i know i got the Holy Spirit but im just not filled with it my flesh is crooked but i still believe and have trust and faith in the Lord. As Jesus said i can still move mountains nothing can take my faith in God away, the Holy Spirit wont leave me or forsake me. Ever. That was Gods promise and its true. It cannot be taken from me.

 

[Hopeful]

May I ask, my friend, how do you know that please? Thank you.

It is written thusly, so I must believe it.
Also, 12 tears since my "crucifixion of the flesh" (Rom 6:3-7) emboldens me to speak it here.