“It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing…”
— John 6:63 (KJV)
There is a phrase I often bring to mind whenever I’m tempted to act out of impulse or carnal emotion: “The flesh profiteth nothing.” It’s a sobering reminder that the flesh—our fallen human nature—has nothing good to offer us. Acting in the flesh never leads to godly outcomes. No wonder the Apostle Paul declared:
“For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing…”
— Romans 7:18 (KJV)
We must take this truth to heart. Like Paul, we need to live with the awareness that nothing good dwells in our flesh. Temptations may come, dressed in pleasure, pride, or personal justification—but they will only produce ruin. Eve found the fruit appealing, but its sweetness led to separation and sorrow.
This is the deception of the flesh: it promises what it cannot deliver. The Psalmist captured this beautifully when he said:
“I say to the Lord, ‘You are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing.'”
— Psalm 16:2 (NIV)
Make a conscious decision today—and every day—to walk in the Spirit. Yield to His prompting. Allow Him to guide your words, your reactions, your desires. The Spirit gives life, while the flesh leads only to sin and death.
“This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh…”
— Galatians 5:16–17 (KJV)
Let this be your resolve: to be Spirit-led, Spirit-filled, and Spirit-sustained.
Prayer:
Holy Spirit, help me to remember daily that the flesh profits me nothing. Strengthen me to walk in You, to choose life, and to resist every temptation to act outside Your will. Amen.
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