Understanding Mortification
Romans 8:13 says, "For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live." (King James)
Mortification is the special ministry that enables the child of God to overcome those evil desires that could destroy the Christian's relationship with the Lord: Jesus gives a clear teaching that will pave the way of putting to death the sinful nature. He said, "The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are good, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eyes are bad, your whole body will be full of darkness." (Matthew 6:22-23)
There is such a simple truth here that is so powerful and yet many walk blindly to it. Corporations spend millions of dollars on advertising because of the principle Jesus is talking about here. They know what goes in the eyes and ears will have an effect on the human heart and thus goes his life. Movie theaters have promotional ads come up before the movie pointing people's attention to the snack bar. They know once it goes through the eyes and supported with the right music it will have their desired effect on their victims causing pop and candy sales to go up. The snack bar is right in front of you when you walk in to catch the attention of the eye.
The Christian who walks in victory over lust of the flesh is the one who does not feed it through the eyes and ears. He does not feed himself pornography, watch TV commercials, or pay much attention to ads that use sex to sell products. The one who walks in victory over the sin full nature is the one who does not feed it. He
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