The flesh and the heart are at odds with each other. Although the physical heart is flesh, I am speaking of the spiritual heart, what some would call the soul and spirit. I times long past it was referred to as the bowels of compassion or the kidneys. Still flesh in reality but referring to the cognizant aspect of who we are as humans.
The spirit awakens in the morning to exclaim “Good Morning LORD”! The flesh wakes to grumble “Good lord, it’s morning”. Same words but a totally different perspective. In fact it is easy to say they are totally at opposite ends of the same football field. The flesh might say “Must I run this race?” The Heart would say “I must win this race”. It is not that the flesh is not interested in the race but rather that the flesh being physical is concerned about expending the energy and its impact on its reserves. The spirit on the other hand has its eye set on the prize.
If then our motivation for accomplishments is directed by the flesh we will seek after the joys found in exalting physical activities such as outward appearance and submission of other less able opponents. The body is strengthened and the mind is left to fend for itself. The satisfaction of living and breathing, of life itself, is that we can develop and manipulate our physical being to superior accomplishments beyond our peers. It is not that the mind is powerless to impact these choices for it must be a willing participant. Yet, The mind is overwhelmed by the sensory overload sent from the the body and acquiesces to its demands.
All of this may not be as base as it seems. For the mind enjoys the drivers seat. It either chooses to follow the direction it is given or molds and redirects physical urges for mutual benefit and allows what it chooses. The body wants to lift a heavier weight than anyone else. The mind wants the glory and adulation which follows that success. In such a case they are complicit. The body is driven and relentless. The mind is purposeful and patient. Sometimes the mind will allow the urges of the body to succeed in order to move on to other pursuits. It is called justification. The mind may prefer not to engage in a particular activity but will allow it to get the body satisfied in the short term so the mind will not be bombarded with requests from the flesh. When the flesh is satisfied it will long for more but it will rest in its victory for a time.
Then being free to explore without the constant nagging of the flesh, the spirit continues on the path it never abandoned and discovers delights the flesh will never be aware of. Victory in warfare is often achieved by allowing the enemy to believe their goal is in front of them when in reality the ambush is laid. The spirit is will but the flesh is weak. Weak to resist as the army is shortsighted to jump at the bait. Only when the flesh can be restrained are both ultimately victorious. So, “Good Morning LORD!” and please ignore that one over there complaining about it being morning.