348. Making a Good Showing in the Flesh

“As many as desire to make a good showing in the flesh, these would compel you to be circumcised, only that they may not suffer persecution for the cross of Christ.”

How strange, to “desire to make a good showing in the flesh”! When Christians edge as close to the world as possible and follow the world’s fashions and customs, it is because they want to make a good showing in the flesh. In this way they avoid bearing the reproach of Christ and suffering persecution for the sake of the cross. They make a very fine showing in the flesh with their fancy hairstyles, curls, and short skirts. But where is the power? Where is the reproach of Christ, which is “greater riches”?

It is possible to be always learning, yet never come to the knowledge of the truth if you are at the same time striving to make a good showing in the flesh. The spirit of the world and the Spirit of God can never be reconciled. Millions of Christians make a constant effort to unite these spirits in order to avoid suffering persecution for the sake of the cross. That will never work. Paul says that he is crucified to the world and the world to him.

But those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Gal. 5:24.

Their flesh is crucified on the tree of cursing, and the whole world despises them. This is something totally different from making a good showing in the flesh. Jesus Christ is rejected by the spirit of the world, the spirit that is working in the children of unbelief. Consequently, He is also rejected by all those who do not believe.

I find it sickening to see priests and other religious people write in worldly newspapers and try to make a good showing in the flesh. It is like putting on a performance before the face of the beast. The natural man cannot comprehend the things that belong to the Spirit of God, and neither do people who desire to make a good showing in the flesh.

The kingdom of Heaven is not in word but in power. But when the flesh is so strong and prominent that it wants to parade itself, it is certainly not the flesh of Christ, because He suffered death in the flesh and was made alive in the Spirit.

The whole world seeks to make a good showing in the flesh. But we must not be conformed to this world. Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers! What accord has Christ with Belial? What accord does crucified flesh have with a flesh that desires to make a good showing? Don’t be stupid, you who would like to be so wise and scholarly. Life is the light of men. We have no more light than we have divine nature. You cannot study your way to this, but faith, active through love, will get you there.