Scripture
Romans 8:5-8
5 For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. 6 For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. 7 For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God’s law; indeed, it cannot. 8 Those who are in the flesh cannot please God.
Observation
Paul says that the difference between a life according to the flesh or the Spirit, begins in the mind. It doesn’t start with actions, or words, or emotions, or circumstances, or anything else: It starts in the mind.
The mind that is ‘set on the flesh’ is dead even while it lives–and it lives in a state of hostility toward God. A mind that is hostile toward God, cannot produce a life and a heart which are submitted to His authority…nor can it lead to an eternity with Him!
The mind that is ‘set on the Spirit’ is a mind which stays submitted to Him, and reliant on Him. The mind that is set on Him, makes decisions which result in actions that honor Him. The mind that is set on Him experiences peace even in the middle of the storm, because that mind is covered under His authority which supersedes any other influence or force encountered.
Application
Where is my mind ‘set’? Is my mind fixed on the temporary anxieties of this world, and on all of the voices vying for attention and authority in my life? Is my mind simply allowed to drift with the winds of circumstance, happy in one moment and wracked with doubt the next?
Or is my mind fixed and set on the eternal God who created all things, who loves me beyond measure, who created me for a purpose, who redeems and strengthens me, and who has empowered me to do all that He expects from me?
When my mind is fixed on things of the flesh, I cannot be at peace with God. But when my mind is fixed on God, I cannot be shaken by any other power or problem.
Today I simply choose to set my mind on my King. He is strong, He is love, He is mercy, He is truth, and He is more than enough for me.
Prayer
God, thank you for this reminder of the importance of my mindset. Help me today to keep my mind fixed on you instead of on the things of this world. You are worthy of my attention, and my highest allegiance–no matter what else may be happening around me. Show me and remind me when my mind begins to wander, so that I would remain rooted in your peace and your guidance.
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