‘Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God. ‘ Romans 8:5-8
With everything we see going on in this world, it’s easy to be in a “negative” mindset. But is that what the Lord would want of us?
God has given us 100% control over what we decide to pay attention to. The question is, what do we allow our minds to set on?
Yes, we live in a world with many bad things going on, but for the Christian, we are just passing through; this is not ours forever home.
To take this further, we are called the “light of the world.” In Rome, so many years ago, Nero persecuted the Christians by lighting some of them on fire to light the streets. Can you imagine?
Let’s take a look at this idea of “mindset.”
Let’s start with the “fleshly” mindset; Paul gives a picture of what this looks like in the Letter to the Galatians Chapter 5:
‘So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. ‘ Galatians 5:16-21
Sexual Immorality – This seems to be on the top of the list concerning sinful activity. The sexual urge God has blessed us with was meant to be shared between a man and a woman in marriage. But with every device of Satan, it starts with “Did God really say that?”
As human beings living in a fallen world, we trust our feelings more than what God really says.
‘This explains why a man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one. ‘ Genesis 2:24
This is a sacred bond between God and a man and woman. But when we allow our feelings to govern our mindset instead of God’s Word, we end in a society that is confused about sexuality. We can see it every day in our streets and on our televisions.
Impurity and Debauchery – This goes in lockstep with sexual immorality. Again, we allow our feeling to trump God’s Word. Pornography, sex out of wedlock, this list could go on and on.
Idolatry and Witchcraft – Idolatry is anything that is put before God. As Christians, we must vigilant that we don’t allow this to happen in our lives. The Greek word for “Witchcraft” is pharmakeia which refers to mind-altering drugs.
Look at this list: hatred, Discord, Jealousy, Fits of rage, Selfish ambition, Dissensions, Factions, and Envy. WOW!! I’ve boiled this down to this line of thinking when I find myself at odds with another human being, whether I am right or wrong, I am wrong, and my heart is not right with God. When I recognize this, I go to God in prayer and ask Him what it is in my heart that I need to change.
1 Corinthians 13 says, “Love does not demand its own way.”
Drunkenness, orgies, and the like – Anything that takes us out of our minds does not bring God glory and should be avoided.
‘But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! ‘ Galatians 5:22-23
Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Most will think there are FRUITS of the Spirit, but it is fruit, and that fruit is love that brings about peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
We must understand that this is only available to those who have accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Without that, this life only leads to being separated from God for eternity.
‘Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. ‘ Colossians 3:2-8
‘Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. ‘ Hebrews 12:1-3
Heavenly Father, please help me to keep my eyes focused on You. Help me to bring You glory in everything from my attitude, thoughts, words and actions.
Let Your life-saving Word stay in my heart and mouth and let it produce action that reflects Your love for those around me.
I thank You for Your grace, mercy, and forgiveness. I pray that You make that a condition of my heart that I am “ready to forgive” and “so full of unfailing love” for all who ask for my help.
In the precious name of Jesus Christ, I pray, Amen!! 🙏🏻❤️
