Galatians 5:19-21

I don't normally distance myself from my kids intentionally. But if I am away too much, or am too busy at home doing chores that keep me from the kids, I know what will happen: misbehavior. It may rear it's ugly head in different ways, but it almost always happens. Their childish antics noticeably escalate when the kids don't have the time they need with me or LaVonna. What does life look like without God? In Galatians 5:19-21, the Apostle Paul intentionally lists what people do and think about when they keep God distant. The list includes everything from sexual sin, to sorcery, to outbursts of anger, jealousy, and drunkenness. Paul adds in verse 21, "and such like," as if to say, "and any other sin we might commit." This multi-verse list is God's attempt to bring everyone's head down out of the clouds. We all struggle with the works of the flesh. Here's what strikes fear into our hearts: "...they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. -vs 21b." Does this mean that if I fall into one or more of these sins that I'm no longer saved? Of course not! When we get saved God adopts us as His own children. What good father would ever disown his children just because they disobey? The word, "do," literally means to regularly, intentionally pursue something. This Greek term is sometimes used to describe the systematic practice of paying taxes or bills. The point of the verse is this: the people who regularly, and intentionally practice these types of sins have never been saved. Consequently, unsaved people regularly practice what comes naturally to them: selfish sin.
God simply doesn't allow His children to intentionally pursue a sinful lifestyle. We will not fulfill, or act upon the lust (or temptations) of the flesh when we intentionally pursue a regular walk in the Spirit. But our childish, sinful actions will escalate when we don't spend the time we need with our Father.