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Now the works of the sinful flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, complete lack of restraint,…

Galatians 5:19, EHV

This list goes on, but if you think of the last part, “complete lack of restraint,” it defines much of what the problem of sin is for us. We don’t like to say, “No,” to ourselves. We have a difficult time restraining ourselves. Many translations use the word “sensuality,” and other versions use “lewdness,” but that, for many, only has sexual implications; the word Paul uses in Greek, aselgeia, would translate as sinful abandon or permissiveness. When we let go and do what we want without regard to God, we fall into sin and are led down many dark paths. Paul is reminding us not to act with reckless abandon and do all that gives us pleasure, but submit ourselves to God and His authority and live in the peace that He alone can give us. This is the gift of the Holy Spirit and is what leads us into our Lord’s peace.

Let us pray. I thank you, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, your dear Son, that you have kept me this night from all harm and danger, and I ask you to protect me this day also from sin and every evil, that in all I do today, I may please you. For into your hands, I commend myself, my body and soul, and all that is mine. Let your holy angel watch over me, that the wicked foe have no power over me. Amen.