We don't talk enough about saints in Protestant churches, do we? No, I don't mean the legendary ones who got elected by the Pope years after their departure. I'm talking about the New Testament variety; the category that includes every man, woman and child who comes to Christ and walks away with a personal cross. Saints like that may go on to perform a few miracles, but they'll never stop sinning- not down here. That's not how real sainthood works.
I watched a sweet old motion picture from 1983 last night. In Tender Mercies, Robert Duvall is portrays a burned-out, liquor whipped, ex-country singer named Mac Sledge. He eventually finds redemption through the love of a simple country girl who sings in the church choir and prays every night. There's a wonderful moment where Mac is baptized along with his nine year old stepson. Driving home in the pick up truck afterwards, the boy laughs, "They told me I'd feel different. I don't feel no different! Do you, Mac?" Duvall wistfully replies, "Not yet."
I wonder how many new Christians are tempted to ask that question a few days or weeks after they are baptized? They were promised everything would change after they prayed. They were assured the old would pass away and the new would come. They were encouraged to seek the power in the blood. A few weeks later when routine life sets in, surely some must wonder, "If all that was true, why do I still want to go out and get__________ tonight?" (Take your pick and fill in the blank creatively.)
I guess we're pretty good about telling new believers that they need to read the Bible, cultivate a prayer life, and learn the art of corporate worship. We're probably less likely to tell them about the Flesh. It's not as inspiring as talking about new life and radical change, but it's pretty important.
The Bible is clear that when Jesus Christ extends his grace to me, he gives me a new inheritance, a new destiny, and a new nature: the Holy Spirit. But even as my sins are all erased in heaven, the personal part of me that craves sin is still a factor in my life. Scripture talks about the Flesh: it's no longer dominant, but it's certainly not dead and gone! In fact, it can sneak up and push you over the edge into temptation at moments when you least expect it. And it's wired into your survival instinct, so it can be persuasive.
Galatians 5:16 is one of my favorite NT verses. Paul explains, "But walk in the spirit and you won't fulfill the lusts of the flesh." In that three way battle between the Spirit, the conscience, and the flesh, I want the Spirit to win every time. I want to renew my mind with the truth of God, so that it can be more attuned to the Spirit. I must limit the activities of my body, so that I avoid places where my flesh could get the upper hand.
The flesh is like that creepy guy who gets killed in Halloween: The Movie, but keeps coming back in Halloween 2, and Halloween 3, and Halloween 13! Yes, I crucified the flesh yesterday, but I'll need to do it again today and again tomorrow.
Once in a while, I don't feel very different. But most days, I know the change is well underway.
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