We should remove traces of the flesh

We inherit characters and temperament from parents. We also acquired knowledge and experience in the growth process. Such things leave traces in us which are referred to 'traces of the flesh'. After entering the 4th level of faith we don't have evil. But we may find faint fleshly traits remaining as traces in us. It's because we were born with original sins and have lived in the world corrupted with sin and evil.

Think about something new. It has no flaw and no scratch. But once you use it, it will have signs of being used, no matter how carefully you use and clean it. Traces of the flesh are much like the signs. Let's say you've worn a white item of clothing for a long time. No matter how clean you wash it, its initial color won't be maintained. The washing may clean it but can't renew its first pure white color. The clothes may have traces such as faint yellow stains.

Such traces that are traces of the flesh may cause people of spirit to act in a way that is not worthy of the level of spirit in some respects. So, to become a person of whole spirit, they must fill up deficiencies (between 1st and 49th percentile of 4th level) and then shortages (between 50th and 79th).


We should fill up deficiencies and shortage

'Deficiency' refers to the condition of being significantly deficient and having only a bit of something needed. On the other hand 'shortage' is lacking just a little bit of something and needing just a little more to be filled. You could be deficient or short of love, spiritual knowledge, and perfect goodness.

Only after filling the deficiencies and then fulfilling the shortages can we pass the 80th percentile of the 4th level and enter the 5th level of faith, being 'Whole Spirit'. Until reaching 50th percentile of the 5th level we will have to be conscious of and transform these traces of the flesh continually.


Deficiencies

- Deficiency of 'righteousness' among the fruit of Light

You should realize that not only is spiritual love able to forgive and embrace unconditionally, but depending upon the situation, it can also rebuke and dismiss. Also you must be able to discern precisely between right and wrong, be decisive and manifest God's righteousness accordingly. Leaders, especially, should sometimes push ahead with something resolutely according to the will of God.

- Self-frameworks that were formed and remain within the personality

Only after opening your heart can you embrace others and have a greater heart. In many cases, your self-frameworks were formed due to the innate personality or the growth environment. So, instead of trying to demolish the framework completely in a day, you would rather take your time to break it and one by one try to do things that are outside the limits of your personality or against your desires. Then you can shatter the framework of your personality and become a great vessel capable of embracing many people.

- A strong self-framework of personality rooted deep in the heart

You don't reveal your righteousness, but in your strong frameworks of personality you think 'this is right and that is wrong'. Although you don't have conflicts with others, unless you embrace others with your heart you won't have true peace and joy.

Additionally, one person lacks ability to control his words and at times says things to flaunt himself. Another needs to think more in the shepherd's standpoint with a greater heart. Another tends to rely on men more than God, the Lord, and the shepherd. Another has negative thoughts rooted deep in his nature so he has been stagnant in growing spiritually for a long time. Another lacks ability to pray and righteousness. Yet another lacks consideration of others.


Shortages

- Strong sense of 'self' in personality

Your sense of 'self' is, of course, different from that of a man of flesh or man in the early stage of spirit. Although it has been cast off through trials, it can remain in you as traces.

- Shortage of fervent prayer and the Word of God

You gained great measure of faith by the shepherd's grace, but you still need to pile up such deeds as praying fervently and being armed with the Word of God.

- Shortage of perfect goodness in lips

You should check the words of your lips. You should examine whether you say things from the perfect goodness of God or say things that seem to fit in the given situations.

- Worries in the heart

Keep in mind that if you have worries, though unspoken, you can't joyfully offer up your heart to God.

Lastly, you should fill up perfect righteousness of God and speak of things that contain virtue and gentleness.