It is vital to our walk that we mortify the deeds of the flesh!
The word “mortify” means to put to death.
Paul wrote by The Holy Spirit in Romans chapter 8:
13 For when you live controlled by the flesh, you are about to die. But if the life of the Spirit puts to death the corrupt ways of the flesh, we then taste his abundant life. TPT
Each of us makes daily decisions of which path we take: Life or death. These two paths are diametrically opposed to each other. The issue isn’t just one step in the wrong direction, but it is the pursuit of the wrong path and becomes habitual in nature.
If I have a vain imagination, I immediately speak to it and cast it down. If we allow ourselves to dwell on a vain imagination, we will ultimately take action to fulfill that imagination. We have the option to decide on what we ponder.
Paul specifically encourages us as he wrote by The Holy Spirit in Philippians chapter 4:
8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy-meditate on these things.
In other Words, keep your thoughts continually fixed on all that is authentic and real, honorable and admirable, beautiful and respectful, pure and Holy, merciful and kind. And fasten your thoughts on every glorious work of God, praising Him always.
He also wrote by The Holy Spirit in Colossians chapter 3:
5 Live as one who has died to every form of sexual sin and impurity. Live as one who has died to the desires for forbidden things, including the desire for wealth, which is the essence of idol worship.
6 When you live in these vices you ignite the anger of God against these acts of disobedience.
7-8 That’s how you once behaved, characterized by your evil deeds. But now it’s time to eliminate them from your lives once and for all—anger, fits of rage, all forms of hatred, cursing, filthy speech,
9 and lying. Lay aside your old Adam-self with its masquerade and disguise.
10 For you have acquired new creation life which is continually being renewed into the Likeness of the One Who created you; giving you the full revelation of God.
We do have the choice of eliminating all aspects of the works of the flesh. Jesus made the way to enable us to live by THE SPIRIT. Love gives us the choice.
11 In this new creation life, your nationality makes no difference, nor your ethnicity, education, nor economic status—they matter nothing. For it is Christ that means everything as He lives in every one of us!
Never look down or belittle another person. They too are GOD’S creation. Let The Holy Spirit guide you concerning any interaction with him or her.
12 You are always and dearly Loved by God! So robe yourself with virtues of God, since you have been Divinely chosen to be Holy. Be merciful as you endeavor to understand others, and be compassionate, showing kindness toward all. Be gentle and humble, unoffendable in your patience with others.
13 Tolerate the weaknesses of those in the family of faith, forgiving one another in the same way you have been graciously forgiven by Jesus Christ. If you find fault with someone, release this same gift of forgiveness to them.
14 For Love is supreme and must flow through each of these virtues. Love becomes the mark of true maturity.
Each of us has the capacity to walk Holy and in Agape Love.
15 Let your heart be always guided by the peace of the Anointed One, Who called you to peace as part of His One Body. And always be thankful.
If you are not at peace, ask FATHER to show you what is causing you to be unsettled. Peace is the umpire of any decision.
16 Let the Word of Christ live in you richly, flooding you with all wisdom. Apply the Scriptures as you teach and instruct one another with the Psalms, and with festive praises, and with prophetic songs given to you spontaneously by the Spirit, so sing to God with all your hearts!
We must study the Scriptures in order to properly apply them. My opinion, apart from The Word is rather useless.
17 Let every activity of your lives and every word that comes from your lips be drenched with the beauty of our Lord Jesus, the Anointed One. And bring your constant praise to God the Father because of what Christ has done for you!
We must guard our words as well as our thoughts so that we will pursue Life rather than allow the works of the flesh to manifest. The more I immerse myself in The Word, the less I have to deal with the flesh. By taking such action, I mortify the deeds of the flesh.