Last night at Bible study, Marc made a comment which we all discussed for some time. He said, “The Words of Jesus bring both life and death…life to the Spirit and death to the flesh.”

As we strive to glorify God and walk in the commands of Christ, by necessity we put to death our flesh. It is painful. We often have to give up things that are near and dear to us; sometimes relationships with family or friends are severed, other times we have to give up worldly pleasures, ideas, and even allegiances. We also have to put behind our sins and pursue holiness. We may be misunderstood, excluded, and even persecuted.

But of course we know where the death of the flesh leads…to the Life that is truly life.

“‘You do not want to leave too, do you?” Jesus asked the Twelve.

Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We believe and know that you are the Holy One of God.'” (John 6:67-69)