Sinful Desires

Sinful Desires

For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want.

Galatians 5:17

When I was a monk, I thought that my salvation was immediately lost if I experienced a corrupt desire of the sinful nature—for example, an evil emotion, sexual desire, anger, hatred, or envy toward any brother. I tried many spiritual exercises, such as confessing daily, but I made no headway. The desires of the sinful nature always returned so that I couldn’t find rest. I was constantly tormented by thoughts such as these: “You committed this and that sin, and you are guilty of envy, impatience, and more. As a result, you have entered this monastic order in vain, and all your good works are useless.” If I had at that time better understood Paul’s statements about the sinful nature battling against the Spirit and that “they are in conflict with each other,” I would not have tortured myself so much.

I would have thought the way I do today: “Martin, you cannot be completely without sin, because you are still in this body. As a result, you will experience the conflict with the sinful nature. The sinful nature battles against the Spirit, just as Paul teaches. Therefore, don’t give up, but fight against it so that you do not gratify these evil desires. Then you will no longer be under the law.”