The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak / Decide before the crossroads

What did Jesus mean

Prepare your body for moments of weakness.

Where did Jesus say this

Matthew 26:41 — “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

What Jesus did not mean

By spirit, Jesus wasn’t referring to himself or even to God. When he used the word spirit in this verse, he was referring to the average person and what they would truly want if they weren’t faced with temptation.

For added context, Jesus says this verse to his disciples the night before he was arrested. He asked them to stay up and be with him, but they were tired and fell asleep.

Jesus didn’t scold them.

He understood (and still does understand) that what ultimately matters is what’s inside the mind. Some might refer to it as the deepest, darkest crevices of the mind. But in reality, it’s the deepest, brightest spots of the mind.

These are the spots that crave everything that is good. Unfortunately, the body sometimes muddles that up for people. It’s only natural. And God understands that. He doesn’t expect perfection, and neither does Jesus. They’re looking to help you find, release, and multiply what’s inside those bright spots.

If that doesn’t make sense, think of it this way:

You woke up at 5am. Worked all day. Maybe even shuttled kids to and from places. You’ve not eaten a real meal. You still have laundry to finish, dinner to make, bills to check on, and texts to respond to. Instead of doing any of that, you lay in bed and fall asleep.

Jesus would never call you “evil” or “bad” for that. He would just say you were tired, and the body overwhelmed what the mind wanted and likely needed to do in that moment.

Where to start

Ask yourself how you’re feeling in a moment of temptation and why. At the same time, ask Jesus what the right choice looks like and then ask him to coach you through it. Jesus was also tempted — hungry, lonely, and tired. He’s been where you’ve been and wants to help. Let him.

But temptation doesn’t just look like an overworked parent. Temptation is as simple as choosing to do the right thing at the wrong time or the wrong thing at the right time.

Having a hard conversation with a family member right before work. Texting an old boyfriend you know isn’t good for you. Going to a bar you know you shouldn’t go to. Responding to an upset customer. Making a large purchase when you know your budget isn’t ready for it. Eating something bad for you. Not eating something at all. The list can go on forever.

But when it comes to temptation, the better place to start is before a choice needs to be made.

Make a plan. Set boundaries. Know what you really want to do and when you want to do it before you reach a crossroads.

When your mind (spirit) hasn’t solidified its intentions, then your body might choose for you in moments of temptation. Decide what you’re going to do when you’re strong before you have to make a choice when you’re weak.

But keep in mind, Jesus also did not mean that your body should come second. You should take care of your body, so the spirit can choose properly. That’s why it’s sometimes okay to skip the laundry.

Benefits

You can go into temptation already knowing what door you’re going to open. And that is powerful. That will keep you you.