We have had Arnold the cat for almost ten years now and lately he has gotten worse in scratching the furniture. So Teri bought some cat treats for training. He loves those treats (understatement). She gives him treats when he scratches on his scratching post instead of the furniture. The problem is he has become obsessed with the treats. Now we are dealing with that problem far more than the furniture scratching. 

Isn’t that the way it can be with the children too? It might be food or something fun that becomes a fixation that the child’s life revolves around. Sigh. They aren’t happy without it, and they share that lack of happiness with us. Hmmm. Thinking about it, are we any different? In one sense yes. We know better regarding a temptation, but we still give in. So isn’t it then worse for us because we know better. 

Our minds are to rule our bodies for the good of our bodies and God’s glory. Sadly the flesh can scream loudly to get what it wants. But God has given us His Spirit to direct our lives. 

“For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace” (Romans 8:5-6).

“This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh” (Galatians 5:16).