page20

The Flesh Hook
Linda Guy

The flesh of man always has a hook on it; often with a tempting piece of bait. By flesh, I do not mean our physical bodies, nor do I mean the old Adamic nature which has been rendered powerless through Christ's death. The flesh is the baggage remaining from this dead old life.

Often other people get caught on fleshly behaviour by this hook. Different types of hooks, different baits catch different fish. One hook or piece of bait to one species of fish is not tempting, and they will swim right past. But another species will swallow it; 'hook, line and sinker'.

Our flesh will be tempted by certain fleshly behaviours in another, particularly if it is those closest to us who are holding the line and dangling it in our face. Our own fleshly behaviours will always make us miserable but the struggle involved when we are 'hooked' by another's is doubly miserable.

As the one in the flesh attacks, vents their anger, gossips, is critical or rude, seeks comfort and sympathy in their addictions, as they spiral out of control and look for someone to save them from themselves, as they hide in the cave of depression, those around them are tempted to take the bait, and so themselves move into the flesh.

The hook is the flesh of the other person; but in a way, we have attached the bait ourselves. What is the bait in your flesh? Is it feeling superior, seeking to play god, wanting to please and never upset another? feeling more knowledgeable, protecting your reputation or building an image? Does it always want to be right, to give your opinion, to pull others down to make yourself look better? Is it the need for approval and affirmation from another? Is it the bait of self-righteousness, bait which may look so acceptable but which always has the power to control and ensnare us?

Yes, the other person's flesh may have a hook; but you can avoid it if you do not take the bait. Once the bait is swallowed, you are in bondage, struggling and squirming like a hooked fish. You find yourself spinning around another's self-centredness, thus becoming self centred yourself. You find yourself spinning around another's addictions, thus becoming controlled yourself by their addictive behaviours.

You find yourself spinning around someone's anger, this becoming increasingly frustrated yourself.

Or you find yourself spinning around another's improved behaviour, thus becoming focused on your own efforts and success at changing their behaviour.

Often we are more likely to be caught by the good flesh of others, for it appeals to our pride, our comfort, or our image.

You are hooked. Flesh increases flesh. It is easy then to blame the one with the line and hook; but we must take responsibility for our own fleshly desires and behaviour.

What is the flesh bait that catches you? Identify it in order to avoid it in future, and move through the situation safely. God is revealing to you your flesh, that He may reveal His freedom from it. As the Spirit shows you what makes you miserable within yourself, abide in Christ, and invite His Spirit to satisfy you.

You will not be hungry for the flesh bait when you are full of Him; full of His love, His humility, His self-less life; His willingness to absorb offence and His faith. Live in the Spirit, and you will remain in the freedom that is yours in Christ. And when you are in the flesh, and the one with the line and hook catching another's flesh, quickly drop the line. Walk in the Spirit and you may free not only yourself, but also another from this experience.

'Live in the Spirit, and you will not fulfil the desires of the flesh.'