The Bible says in Galatians 5 verse 19 “Now the works of the flesh are evident…”
Marriage is not just a beautiful thing; it is also refining, joyful, stretching. But above all, it is spiritual. It is a union that God ordained and the enemy envies. Because of THE enemy, we need to be careful, so that the very flesh Christ died to crucify does not find a comfortable seat in our homes, slowly eating away at the oneness God intends.
Apostle Paul gives us a clear list in Galatians 5:19–21—a list of what the flesh looks like when it’s in control. While we often read this with “the world” in mind, let’s bring it home. How do these works of the flesh show up in marriage?
1. Sexual Immorality & Impurity
This is not just about cheating/extra-marital affairs/adultery. It includes pornography, lustful thoughts, flirtations outside your spouse, withholding affection as punishment, or comparing your spouse to others sexually.
How do we put it to death? 1 Corinthians 6:18 says “Flee from sexual immorality”. Make your spouse your standard of beauty. Cultivate intimacy and openness. Don’t starve each other emotionally or sexually (1 Cor. 7:5). If it is a spiritual struggle, lean on the Holy Spirit, share this burden with your spouse, be accountable to each other and PRAY.
2. Idolatry
Anything we put at the center of the marriage, apart from Christ, become an idol. When career, children, ministry, money, or even your spouse, takes the throne of your heart, that's idolatry.
How do we put it to death? Make Christ your first love. Everything else finds proper order when He is central (Matt. 6:33).
3. Hatred, Discord, Jealousy, Fits of Rage
Ever had moments when it felt like you and your spouse were roommates instead of soulmates? Or silent wars where you avoid each other in the same house? That’s discord.
Jealousy? This creeps in when we start to compare roles, earnings, or even spiritual “growth.”
Rage? That explosive or simmering anger that festers beneath “I’m fine.”
How do we put it to death? Ephesian 4:26-27 say“Be angry and do not sin… do not give the devil a foothold”. Practice soft starts in conflict. Prioritize TRUE peace over being right. Pursue understanding, not victory. Learn to fight fair.
4. Selfish Ambition & Dissensions
Dissension is the silent killer. It’s the slow build-up of unresolved offense, silent treatment, separate dreams, and me-first living.
Selfish ambition says, “I’ll do what benefits me, even if it costs us.”
How do we put it to death? Choose we over me. Return to mutual submission (Eph. 5:21). Communicate goals, hurts, and dreams. Invite God into your disagreements. Forgive fully and often.
5. Envy, Drunkenness, and the Like
Envy can destroy admiration. Drunkenness doesn’t only refer to alcohol...it’s any form of escapism (excessive scrolling, social media bingeing, workaholism, constant outings with friends) that numbs you from dealing with your marriage.
How do we put it to death? Be sober-minded (1 Peter 5:8). Stay present. Celebrate each other...each spouse's win should be a win for the marriage. Deal with issues head-on and invite trusted counsel if/when needed.
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The Only Way to Win
Galatians 5 doesn’t just list the works of the flesh. It shows us the antidote:
“Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” (Gal. 5:16)
This is not about striving harder. It’s about surrendering deeper.
For married folks, your marriage is where the fruit of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, patience...) must ripen first, "charity begins at home" is that wise saying. But that only happens when the flesh is put to death daily. Together.
So today, ask:
- Are we feeding the flesh or the Spirit in our home?
- Where has the enemy built strongholds through unresolved fleshly patterns?
- Are we fighting with each other or for each other?
Let your marriage be a garden where the Spirit bears much fruit...a place where we put the flesh to death. Together.
#BeBetter #LoveBetter #DoBetter #MarriageWorks #DieToTheFlesh #Together
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