The society we live in says we can do what we want, when we want. We have that "Burger King" mentality where we think we can have everything our way. And, while that may be true for some things, it is definately not true regarding the Kingdom of God. You cannot do any and everything that you want to do and still expect to get into Heaven.

This is how I know, I read Galatians 5 with particular emphasis on verses 14-21. Pasted below is the New Living Translation version of the passage. I chose this translation because it makes things very plain. The King James Version is good too, but I didn't want you to get tripped up on some words if you are not familiar with the verbage from that time. In other words, I just want to make sure you can see this text as clearly as possible - and if you have another translation that's even clearer, feel free to paste the reference in the comments section below.

If you can see yourself in this passage then you know you’ve got some work to do. In fact, if we are all honest with ourselves, we have visited these areas in our past even if we aren’t there now. 


So, as I’ve said, you cannot do anything you (your flesh) wants to do and still think you’re going to kick your feet up in Heaven. Don't be deceived. You cannot live according to the flesh and reap the reward of the those who live according to the Spirit. No, your flesh (and mine, and everybody else's that plans to go to Heaven) will have to come into submission to the Spirit.

Read the following Scripture and know that: (1) it’s time for a change; time to get right with God or (2) thank God that you have been changed and these are no longer your activities. Then finally, PRAY for your family, friends and our nation because these items ensnarl them in ways in which they do not realize.


The passage reads:

    "For the whole law can be summed up in this one command: "Love your neighbor as yourself."


But if instead of showing love among yourselves you are always biting and devouring one another, watch out! Beware of destroying one another.


So I advise you to live according to your new life in the Holy Spirit. Then you won't be doing what your sinful nature craves.

The old sinful nature loves to do evil, which is just opposite from what the Holy Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are opposite from what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, and your choices are never free from this conflict.

But when you are directed by the Holy Spirit, you are no longer subject to the law.

When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, your lives will produce these evil results: sexual immorality, impure thoughts, eagerness for lustful pleasure, idolatry, participation in demonic activities, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, divisions, the feeling that everyone is wrong except those in your own little group, envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other kinds of sin. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God."

So now the real question becomes, "where do you want to spend eternity?" You cannot have it both ways.