Evident

I'm sure if you read your bible at all you've seen this passage.

Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. (Gal 5:19-23)

The text gives us two categories: the "works of the flesh" and the "fruit of the Spirit." Interesting that it lists a lot more "works of the flesh" than "fruit of the Spirit." But the phrase that really caught my eye was "the works of the flesh are evident." Paul seems to say here, "We all know what the flesh produces. We can all see it for ourselves." Sometimes I wonder.

Years ago I was going through the membership class of a new church I had been attending. In the first meeting, we all introduced ourselves. One couple introduced themselves with different last names, told us when they planned to marry (6 months or so), and that they currently lived together. All cheery and "happy to be here." Apparently it was not evident to them that the first item on the "works of the flesh" list was sexual immorality. How many Christians do you know that are given to -- nay, proud of -- "fits of anger" when they tackle Twitter opponents, take on Facebook heretics, or take down Internet infidels? Rivalries, dissensions, and divisions among believers are often considered badges of honor. Are they evidently works of the flesh?

The real problem, of course, is not that we do these things. We all do these things. We are still flesh (Rom 7:14-15). As long as we are in this life, we will sin. The problem is when we indulge these things, enjoy these things, even defend them. The problem is when there is defiance, not repentance.

Jesus said that we speak and do what is in our hearts (Matt 15:18-20). The problem for us is not that we do works of the flesh. Those can be confessed, repented, and, as sanctification proceeds, diminished. The question, I guess, is just what kind of tree are you? Do you see "good fruit" or bad? Can you recognize in yourself fruit of the Spirit or is your life most marked by works of the flesh? Are you even aware of it? You should be. It is, as Paul says, evident.