God's Elect Should Not Expect Any Good from Their Flesh

I find then a law, that when I would do good, evil is present with me.—Romans 7:21.

Fools make a mock of sin, while godly souls groan under the burden of indwelling corruption. The former's conduct is an awful proof of their state. The sorrows of the latter is a certain evidence of the spiritual life and sanctification of their souls, being born again of the Spirit; to do good is the delight of their hearts. Being living members of Jesus by faith, they love conformity to their head; being sons of God by adoption, it is their joy to love, obey, and please their heavenly Father in all things. Perfection in holiness they aspire after; entire freedom from sin they comfortably hope for: but the God of truth will not suffer his own elect to be deceived, and to think themselves what they are not, nor ever will be in the flesh, perfectly freed from sin; for the old man, with his affections and lusts, is ever near, ever present with them. "In their flesh dwells no good thing," nor ever will; they are not to expect any good from it; it lusts only to evil continually; their best thoughts are often interrupted and diverted, their most holy desires are often damped and discouraged, their best actions are seldom, if ever, free from the bold intrusion of unwelcome guests from the world, flesh, and the Devil. 'I would be wholly devoted to the Lord, saith the gracious soul; all my powers and faculties, time and talents, all that I possess and enjoy, would I wholly (as assisted) freely and willingly dedicate in love to Jesus.' Scarce the pleasing thought is conceived, but the evil of pride injects. What a rare name will this acquire me! how shall I be admired, and shine as somebody in the Christian world! O this sinks the Christian with shame, and causes him to hide his head with holy blushing. But let not this discourage thee. Paul abated nothing of his zeal for God's glory and doing good, because of this. Follow his steps. "Trust in the Lord and do good."—Psalms 37:3.

- excerpt from William Mason's A Spiritual Treasury for the Children of God, Volume 1, May 8