‘The mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace.’ Romans 8:6 NIV
Choose a spiritual, not carnal mindset. Carnality is at the core of our unregenerate nature and it lives on even after we become Christians. Its gravitational pull’s always away from God to self–centred living. The Bible says, ‘The carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can it be.’ (Romans 8:7 NKJV) The carnal mind makes us suspicious, sceptical, self–promoting, and spiritually blind to God’s will. Being spiritually–minded means centring your choices on God’s Word and the Spirit’s prompting. The good news is, ‘You…are not controlled by your sinful nature. You are controlled by the Spirit, if you have the Spirit of God living in you.’ (Romans 8:9 NLT) Giving in to the flesh isn’t inevitable. You can decide whether the flesh or the Spirit guides you! Peter, in a spiritual mindset, received a revelation of Jesus’ deity. ‘You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.’ Jesus replied, ‘This was not revealed to you by [flesh], but by My Father.’ (Matthew 16:16–17 NIV) Shortly after, Jesus told His disciples the dreadful means of His death. In a moment of misguided carnality, Peter refused to accept it. ‘Never, Lord!’ he said. ‘This shall never happen to You!’ (Matthew 16:22 NIV) A carnal mindset is an invitation to Satan. So Jesus told Peter, ‘Get behind Me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to Me; you do not have in mind the things of God, but…of men.’ (Matthew 16:23 NIV) So keep your mind spiritually focused and ready to do God’s will.
SoulFood: Is 53-57, Jn 8:42-59, Ps 123, Prov 29:1-3
The Word for Today is authored by Bob and Debby Gass and published under licence from UCB International Copyright 2014
