How do you tell the difference between the flesh and demons? Flesh is self or self-will. When we reason away following God's Word or elevate our opinions above God's Word, that is part of the flesh. The deeds of the flesh amount to idol worship. Colossians 3:5 says, "Therefore consider the members of your earthly body as dead to immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed, which amounts to idolatry." We must learn to cut off the flesh; it attracts the demonic realm to our lives.