by J. Randal Matheny

A 34-year-old man in Henderson, Texas, prepared a candle-lit bubble bath for his wife. But he didn't have romance in mind. As she relaxed in the water, he knocked a radio into the tub. She caught it and threw it out before it hit the water.

Suspicious over his reaction to her quick reflexes, she went to the computer and discovered her husband had accessed web sites on bathtub electrocution two days earlier. The man was charged with second-degree attempted murder.

We should be so creative in putting to death the sins of the flesh. Not by hook or crook, deceit or cheat, but by honest confrontation with the forces of evil at work in and around us.

What can we do to mortify the flesh?

First, and perhaps hardest of all, admit it. A smoker once told me, "I can quit anytime I want to." He was fooling only himself. So confess It. Whatever It may be. Be transparent with God and with spiritual significant others. Getting it out in the open is halfway there to overcoming it.

Second, develop the fruit of the Spirit. Focus on growth, maturity, positive character, instead of the bad that pops up its head. A major step for me one day was when I prayed, "Lord, I know my self is not defined by this evil."

Third, dive into the Word. The Bible is life and strength. Jesus cited Scripture to ward off Satan's attacks. None better than his example.

Fourth, persevere. J. Andrews said, "Perseverance is failing 19 times and succeeding the 20th." Perseverance is not an excuse to continue in sin, but a reason not to give up on weakness.

Fifth, surround yourself with saints. No greater encouragement to holy living than wonderful examples of faithful people.

So you be creative in implementing these simple steps. Instead of causing someone's death, we'll find life for ourselves.

"For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live" (Romans 8:13, ESV).