Flesh is Synonymous with Mess!

And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. - Galatians 5:24

The words of a wise man's mouth are gracious; but the lips of a fool will swallow up himself. The beginning of the words of his mouth is foolishness: and the end of his talk is mischievous madness. - Ecclesiastes 10:12-13

There are unfortunately foolish things that can enter a Christian congregation. The evidence of these foolish things can be described as flesh, ego, hatred, and mess. Whose ends, in the words of Solomon, is “mischievous madness.” Especially when it encourages hatred towards other congregations. In my Pentecostal Holiness denomination we are well aware of this. The preaching is toward the membership, warning every man of the perils of the flesh. I have not heard the first message in that church putting down any other denomination.

Any who follow the mischievous ways of the flesh.... A terrible mess will follow! The fruits of the Spirit include a deep hearted goodness that rests in the hearts of good men and women.

My poor family is inclined to foolishness and because of this I cannot depend on their sense of judgement. My poor elderly dad has come back into my life and I let him live at my other house free of charge. With him and my sister, it would not surprise me to get a phone call any time informing me of some evil news involving foolish decisions resulting in mischievous madness.