The natural man

[toad]

To see a World in a grain of sand
And a Heaven in a Wild Flower,
Hold infinity in the palm of your hand
And eternity in an hour.

WILLIAM BLAKE

“The natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them because they are spiritually discerned.”
(1 Corinthians 2:14 KJV)

“The natural man. This is man living under the control of the fleshly passions, the sensual and depraved part of man in contrast with the rational part. He is the animal man as opposed to the spiritual man. He has no sense of spiritual values and no relish for them. He counts it the highest wisdom to live for this world and carnal pleasures. Spiritual things are foolishness to him. He cannot see the supreme excellence due to animal appetites and being spiritually dead.”
FINIS DAKE…………..The Dake Bible, page 177

The natural man, “He cannot see the supreme excellence (in living spiritually…JRE) due to animal appetites.” Exactly what did Finis Dake mean by animal appetites? Ever tried to take a bone away from a dog that was enjoying grinding away at it? They will bit you! That is an example of an animal appetite. How about if you put two dog dishes of food out for two dogs, and they will wolf it down in a big hurry. When the first one gets finished he will go over and try and eat the other dog’s food also. That is an animal appetite. If a horse happens to get into the grain bin they will eat until they founder themselves becoming sick. That is an animal appetite. When you put fish food in an aquarium they will immediately come to the surface and scoop up all they can. Some will even fight each other for the food. That is an animal appetite. Human beings are born with a natural side of us that will act in many ways just as animals do. Without a spiritual experience in our lives we will fight, founder, and fulfill the lusts of animal appetites. I praise God for the Holy Spirit and the gift of discernment. Even though at times my animal instincts speak louder than then spirit man, The Spirit still is there with words like, “That’s enough,” Don’t go there,” “Better not do that,” and “That is not healthy.”
The natural man is pretty much all about himself, and if he does help someone else it is for personal gain, to feel superior, or to boost his pride. Today I understand that this kind of animal thinking is what led me to thirty years of misery due to alcohol and drugs. I thank God for a spiritual awakening that came only after years of struggle and personal defeat. Today there are little things in my life that have so much more meaning that some of my greatest natural-man experiences. Today I desire the little loving things that God gives me. God has done for me what I could not do for myself………….JRE

[best]

Keeping up with the Jones'
Being so busy worrying what others have that I don't have.
Working so much to gain more money so I can buy bigger and better?

I sure am grateful that my eyes became opened so I could see the true beauty around me.
Thank you for a timely post that reminds me to slow down and smell the roses along the path.

To see a World in a grain of sand
And a Heaven in a Wild Flower,
Hold infinity in the palm of your hand
And eternity in an hour.

WILLIAM BLAKE

I remember when I was a young boy and would sit on the ground just watching a tiny little ant carry a grain of sand or see a bubblebee go from flower to flower. The Lord has filled this earth with so much beauty that shouts of His glory... we should all seek to slow down and enjoy as much of it as we can. Least you become like little children...

Yes Lord, thank you for opening my eyes once again and thank you for opening my eyes to the wisdom found in Your word.

[cmc]

toad,
I had this reply already written this morning before I read your post!!!
Once I became a Christian at a very early age, I naturally... became more supernaturally spiritual. Not without many large and small slips along the way- that selfish part of me still remains hidden underneath in the heart and mind. We can't help it sometimes.. as we walk with Christ we still need to correct ourselves- and stay on the right path.

The natural man is pretty much all about himself, and if he does help someone else it is for personal gain, to feel superior, or to boost his pride.

Here's what I had written early today:

btw... Chuck Swindoll today... topic was pride...I said... not me...uh-oh... Yes it is me sometimes, and that's when He is speaking...so I listened to what this pastor said on the radio and then again on his site/broadcast... I was about on the floor face down... praying and saying... "Yes Lord... I see and hear you on this..please help me." Christian pride... to know we have no good thing in us apart from Him.

I am constantly reminded that serving God, loving others and so many of the blessings we have are still areas where I need to reflect and deflect that joy of a good work accomplished and recognize that as you say in all your posts:

God has done for me what I could not do for myself………….JRE

In my words... I add that in whatever I do, the source of it is the Lord...keeping the servant humble and meek. Please understand that I do believe He wants us to be blessed and to reap the rewards of our own labors... just to keep in mind that without Him... this Christian life does not work.
Thanks for another wonderful, thoughtful post!!!
hugs,
cmc

[toad]

Originally Posted by best

I remember when I was a young boy and would sit on the ground just watching a tiny little ant carry a grain of sand or see a bubblebee go from flower to flower. The Lord has filled this earth with so much beauty that shouts of His glory... we should all seek to slow down and enjoy as much of it as we can. Least you become like little children...

Thanks Best for the response........I too need to down-shift and let out on the clutch..........slowing down to spend more time with God.