In our previous meditation, I made reference to a teaching done by one of our leaders on the subject of finance. In my opening remarks at the same retreat, I noted that you can expect to find two categories of people in every organization. People either serve as progress arresters or progress enhancers. I further stated that there may be progress arresters on purpose while some others do it ignorantly. What I did not mention is that individuals can also be progress arresters in their own lives. In our text, Paul mentioned six things that must be confined to the past: bitterness, wrath, anger, clamour, evil speaking, and malice. These things come under the listing of what is described as works of the flesh. Those who allow works of the flesh to have a hold on them are arresting their own progress unwittingly.

Those who allow works of the flesh to have a hold on them are arresting their own progress unwittingly…All issues of life spring from the heart. If the heart is not cleansed of the works of the flesh, it is futile to expect great outcome in life.

The Bible makes clear that God has great plans for us. However, the flesh will contaminate the plans, delay their manifestation, or destroy them altogether. The flesh will always hinder the operations of the Spirit. To truly enjoy the best of God, we have to keep turning over a new leaf. David asked the Lord to create in him a clean heart and renew a right spirit within him. This is an applicable prayer for everyone who longs to see God’s plan come to pass. All issues of life spring from the heart. If the heart is not cleansed of the works of the flesh, it is futile to expect great outcome in life.