The term “pampered” carries with it a number of convicting synonyms - spoiled, indulged, coddled, wet-nursed, contented, pacified. Many of today's Christians could well be described by the term “pampered.”  The idea of fighting the flesh or personal sacrifice seems to have lost its importance in the lives of today's pampered Christian.

The words of the song:

“Onward Christians soldiers, marching as to war...forward into battle...on then Christian soldiers on to victory”

seem to have lost their relevance in today's pampered Christian quest for personal freedom and self-affirmation.   The word “pampered” seems a far cry from the Apostle Paul's view

But [like a boxer] I buffet my body [handle it roughly, discipline it by hardships] and subdue it, for fear that after proclaiming to others the Gospel and things pertaining to it, I myself should become unfit [not stand the test, be unapproved and rejected as a counterfeit].  (1 Corinthians 9:27 amp)

The point of today's Truth Matters is that we Christians cannot afford to be “pampered” when it comes to putting aside our fleshly desires and living in obedience to God's word.  Indeed, it will require “fight” and “personal sacrifice.”  No room for rationalization or indulgence or contentment with personal freedom or self-affirmation.  “Pampered” Christians will not be equipped to be Christ's ambassadors or find victory in their Christian lives.

Today's My Utmost for His Highest puts it this way:

“If the natural part of us isn't sacrificed, it will mock the life of the Son of God in us and cause continual wavering. Confusion is always the result of an undisciplined spiritual nature. We go wrong because we stubbornly refuse to discipline ourselves—physically, morally, and mentally. “But I can't help it,” you protest. “No one disciplined me when I was a child.” You must discipline yourself now. If you don't, you will ruin the whole of your personal life for God.

God isn't with our natural life when we pamper it. But if we will put it out in the desert and resolve to keep it there, He will open up wells and oases and fulfill all his promises.

God gave this to Paul to instruct us:

13For you, brethren, were [indeed] called to freedom; only [do not let your] freedom be an incentive to your flesh and an opportunity or excuse [for [d]selfishness]... 17 For the desires of the flesh are opposed to the [Holy] Spirit, and the [desires of the] Spirit are opposed to the flesh (godless human nature); for these are antagonistic to each other [continually withstanding and in conflict with each other], so that you are not free but are prevented from doing what you desire to do.  (Galatians 5:13,17 amp)

My prayer for you and me today is this:  Lord, we realize that following You will require sacrifice and fight against our fleshly nature.  We cannot afford to be indulging our old nature.  We desire to be like You and we know as You were not pampered, we must not be either.  By Your strength and grace, we will fight to make those hard decisions and put away the flesh in our lives.  For Your honor and glory...Amen.

Walk with the King today and be a blessing.