MORTIFY THE TRANSACTIONS OF THE BODY

Scripture

For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live” (Romans 8:13).

Devotional

There’s a depth to the scripture above that you must understand. When the Apostle Paul speaks of “the deeds of the body,” he’s not merely referring to actions or habits. He’s dealing with something deeper, which is the transactions of the body; the dealings of the body.

The body has its operations. It carries out its activities through the senses—what you feel, what you see, what you experience physically. Through these, it conducts its “business,” bringing reports and conditions into your life. At times, the body “brings” something home; it may be a symptom, a weakness, or a discomfort, something it picked up through natural processes.

But you must understand that you’re not subject to those transactions. You’re not to be regulated by the rudiments of this earthly realm but to live above them. The Bible says, “For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace” (Romans 8:6). To be carnally minded is to live according to the dictates and reports of the body, to respond to what it says and what it feels. But that’s not your life.

You’re called to live by the Spirit. The Word says if through the Spirit, you mortify the deeds of the body, you shall live. That means through the Holy Spirit, you paralyse those transactions. You can nullify the operations of the body. You can bring its activities under subjection. You don’t let the body dictate your condition or define your reality.

The life in you is greater. It’s the life of God. And that life gives you authority over the body. The Scripture says, “But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you... shall also quicken your mortal bodies...” (Romans 8:11). He gives life to your physical body. He overrides its limitations.

So, when the body brings its report, you answer by the Spirit. When it suggests weakness, you respond with strength. When it presents a condition, you enforce the higher law of the Spirit, the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus, by which you’re governed. Hallelujah! So, take charge and exercise dominion over your body. Keep it in health with the Word of God and the power of the Holy Spirit.

Prayer

Dear Father, I thank you for the authority I have through the Holy Spirit over my body. I refuse to be governed by the senses; rather, I choose to walk in life, strength and dominion, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.