Freedom Calls

As believers in Jesus Christ, we often find ourselves in the midst of a constant struggle between our flesh and the world around us.

This struggle can manifest itself in various ways, particularly in our relationships with others.

In Genesis 39:12, we read about the account of Joseph and Potiphar’s wife, where Joseph, in a moment of weakness, fled from the temptation and clung to his integrity.

This story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of remaining steadfast in our faith and resisting the evil trinity of our own flesh, the world, and the devil.

Charles Spurgeon once said, “The flesh is the devil’s playground, and the world is his theatre. We must not go into the world to play with him, but to conquer him.”

Let’s explore how these three entities work together to harm our relationships and the ways in which we can combat their influence.

The Evil Trinity

1. Our Own Flesh

Our flesh, with its innate sinful nature, often leads us astray and tempts us to indulge in sinful behavior.

This can manifest itself in various ways, such as pride, selfishness, or lust.

In our relationships, this can lead to misunderstandings, conflicts, and broken bonds. As Jesus said in Mark 7:21-23, “For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, sexual immoralities, thefts, false witness, blasphemies. These are the things which defile a man.”

2. The World

The world, with its values and philosophies contrary to those of Christ, can also cause us to stray from our faith.

The world often encourages us to prioritize our own desires and ambitions above our relationships with others, leading to selfishness and a lack of compassion.

As AW Tozer wrote, “The world is a dark and foreboding place, and the Christian must never forget that he is a pilgrim and a stranger in it.”

3. The Devil

The devil, as the father of lies and deceiver, works tirelessly to disrupt our relationships and lead us away from God.

He seeks to capitalize on our weaknesses and fears, sowing seeds of discord and distrust.

As Watchman Nee said, “The devil is a master of subtlety, and his greatest weapon is to deceive us into thinking that we are right when we are wrong.”

The Consequences of the Evil Trinity

When we allow the evil trinity of our flesh, the world, and the devil to influence our relationships, the consequences can be devastating.

Relationships can become strained, friendships can be ruined, and even families can be torn apart.

As D.L. Moody once said, “A man is not a Christian unless his Christianity is evidenced by the way he treats his fellow men.”

How to Combat the Evil Trinity

1. Renew Your Mind

Through the power of the Holy Spirit, renew your mind daily by meditating on God’s Word and seeking His guidance in all your decisions. This will help you to discern between what is of God and what is not.

2. Cultivate Self-Awareness

Recognize your own weaknesses and vulnerabilities, and be honest with yourself about your tendency to fall prey to the evil trinity.

This self-awareness will help you to be more vigilant in guarding your heart and mind.

3. Surround Yourself with Like-Minded Believers

Associate with fellow believers who share your values and convictions. This will provide you with accountability and support, and help you to stay on the path of righteousness.

4. Seek God’s Wisdom

Pray for wisdom and discernment, and seek God’s counsel in all your decisions.

This will help you to make choices that align with His will and to avoid the pitfalls of the evil trinity.

The evil trinity of our own flesh, the world, and the devil can be a formidable force in our lives, particularly in our relationships.

However, by renewing our minds, cultivating self-awareness, surrounding ourselves with like-minded believers, and seeking God’s wisdom, we can combat their influence and remain steadfast in our faith.

As Joseph demonstrated in Genesis 39:12, even in the face of temptation and adversity, we can cling to our integrity and remain true to our convictions.

May we follow Joseph’s example and flee from the evil trinity, trusting in the power of God to guide and protect us.