“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. For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live.”
Romans 8:6-7, 13 (NIV)
The above scripture is a warning admonishing us to live by the spirit instead of living by the flesh. Those who live according to the flesh are sentenced to death. We are required as children of God to be spiritually minded, living a life of peace. To be spiritually minded is to set your affections on the things of God; for example, giving attention to the Word of God, fellowshipping with the brethren, praying without ceasing, giving thanks always, preaching the Gospel to your world, being an example in speech, life and purity, and pleasing God in everything.
Just as our Lord Jesus set the example for us to emulate, do not give place to the devil through activities of the flesh which are worldly. Galatians 5: 19–21 explains, “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.” These actions are done by the mind governed by the flesh which is hostile to God. “So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” Galatians 5:16 (NIV).
PRAYER/CONFESSION
Dear Father, I thank you for keeping me in perfect peace because my mind stays on you. Thank you for leading me in the paths of righteousness for your name’s sake in the name of the Lord Jesus.
WISDOM NUGGET
“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.” Galatians 5:17-18 (NIV)