Treatise of The Flesh

First-born of compulsion, spawn of Adam's sin
The flesh hopes to triumph – and by default win
down through the ages, his plan has not changed;
by deceit to bring us to disgrace and shame

Far too kind have we been to this unruly fiend
on our care and provision for too long has he leaned
Ever ungrateful, not once satisfied; when unfed – grows hateful
even though we have tried

In vain have we pampered, in hope to appease
but our kindness will never bring this beast to his knees
Hard to admit we don't want to offend
this scoundrel we've treated as a dear old friend

Though we oft bid him "Adieu!", far too soon his return
with more time to kill and energy to burn
Not bound by God's law, no ordinance or creed;
though stabbed or bludgeoned, this flesh would not bleed!

His evil desire, through us to will
against the Spirit, wars the flesh still
So we must deny his every demand
and against all his guile, to thus take our stand

Judgment without mercy for this ageless foe...
kicking and screaming "To the cross he must go!"
It's affections and lusts, by God's grace have there died
for we who are Christ's...have been there crucified.

Written by: Stephen D Hare
2002