John 3:6
That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

Are you choosing flesh or Spirit?

Don’t you love how clear the word is?  No room for “grey areas”. It is not a difficult thing to make the distinction between what is fleshy and what is “Spirit”. Fleshy activities and emotions satisfy your natural desires and lusts.

Galatians 5:19-21 The cravings of the self-life are obvious: Sexual immorality, lustful thoughts, pornography, 20 chasing after things instead of God,[a] manipulating others,[b] hatred of those who get in your way, senseless arguments, resentment when others are favored, temper tantrums, angry quarrels, only thinking of yourself, being in love with your own opinions, 21 being envious of the blessings of others, murder, uncontrolled addictions,[c] wild parties, and all other similar behavior. Haven’t I already warned you that those who use their “freedom” for these things[d] will not inherit the kingdom realm of God! (The Passion Translation)

Spiritual activities and emotions draw you closer to the Lord and fulfill His will in the earth.

Galatians 5:22–23 But the fruit produced by the Holy Spirit within you is divine love in all its varied expressions: joy that overflows, peace that subdues, patience that endures, kindness in action, a life full of virtue, faith that prevails, gentleness of heart, and strength of spirit. Never set the law above these qualities, for they are meant to be limitless. (The Passion Translation)

Now, there are times when you try to convince yourself a specific activity could “ultimately” bring glory to God. But if you are honest with yourself, you know your motivation was not focused on God at all. That is why the bible encourages you to examine yourself. You will be able to determine when the activities you participate in, the thoughts you give place to, or the words you speak give God glory. So, stop pretending; own what you do and stop doing things you know God is not pleased with. 

Please agree with me as I pray:

Father God, I thank You because You are revealing who You are in me every day. Thank You for requiring me to identify whether You are glorified in my actions, thoughts, and in my words. You let me know when You are pleased and when You are not. Father, I repent, right now, for all the times I tried to convince myself and others it was OK for me to say unacceptable things or act in hurtful ways. It is not Ok when Your love is not demonstrated through my actions, my thoughts, and my words. Father, thank You for continuing to prick me when I do not line up and continuing to poke me when I get out of Your will. I do not want to think anything, say anything nor act in a way that denies Your love. Heavenly Father, I want to walk in Your Spirit so that I will not fulfill the lust of my flesh…