Sowing to the Flesh

To 'sow to the flesh' is to pander to it,

to cosset, cuddle and stroke it, 

instead of crucifying it. 

The seeds we sow are largely thoughts and deeds. 

Every time we allow our mind to 

harbour a grudge, 

nurse a grievance, 

entertain an impure fantasy, 

or wallow in self-pity, 

we are sowing to the flesh. 

Every time we linger in bad company whose 

insidious influence we know we cannot resist, 

every time we lie in bed when we ought to be up and praying, 

every time we read pornographic literature, 

every time we take a risk which strains our self-control, 

we are sowing, sowing, sowing to the flesh. 

Some Christians sow to the flesh every day and 

wonder why they do not reap holiness.

Taken from Authentic Christianity © 1995 John Stott and Timothy Dudley-Smith.