Have you ever observed a toddler tantrum? It’s really a sight to behold. Absolute desperation to have their own way, coupled with rage at the person, place, or thing standing in their way. In most cases, the child becomes so enraged they often no longer remember the initial circumstance that set them off. In my house, we called this “The Red Zone.” When someone’s in the red zone there is no reasoning with them, all common sense and clear thinking is gone.
I like to imagine Paul was thinking about The Red Zone in Galatians 5:19-21 when he lists out all the different works of the flesh. Even though he says “the works of the flesh are obvious” I think he was keenly aware when we are in the grips of these desires, urges, and practices we ask the Holy Spirit (our spiritual rational thinker) to take a back seat.
Back to our toddler. When I’m working with a tantrum-prone tike I often address the behaviors when they’re not actively happening. We talk about the consequences of the tantrums and where these actions will lead: loss of privileges. That’s where Paul leads us with his list. When we choose to regularly engage in these behaviors and practices we forfeit our inheritance, the very kingdom of God and all the richness within.
“Now the works of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, moral impurity, promiscuity, idolatry, sorcery, hatreds, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambitions, dissension, factions, envy, drunkenness, arousing and anything similar. I am warning you about these things—as I warned you before—that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.”
Notice Paul doesn't say it’s a one and done situation. He understands no one is perfect. The translation for “those who practice” indicates regular, habitual engagement. I believe he’s using this list as a reference point to constantly come back to when we feel ourselves heading off toward The Red Zone!