Sin's great origin is the nonspiritual mindset and the carnally
minded heart. I find myself to be carnally minded, with my mind set on things of the flesh all too often. Frustrations come when my fleshly mind is thwarted by events and circumstances. My will is not done because the world stands between me and my desires too often.
But when I set my mind on spiritual things, what happens to me here on earth is of little consequence. Greater things are happening, a Greater God is in control, and my will is wrapped up in serving my Savior - come what may! It is then that peace floods my soul, and fear, bitterness, judgment, etc. flee. What a wonderful place to live.
And this spiritual life is not what the world calls "spiritual." It is what the Bible calls "spiritual." The context of today's devotional passage reveals what the writer means by "spiritual." He says this: "There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit." - Romans 8:1 (NKJV) The contrast of the spirit "in Christ" is clearly made over against walking by the "flesh." There is no true "spiritual" mindedness outside of Jesus Christ. All spiritists should be put on notice by this at this point.
In truth, there is a bit of a problem with the way our lives work. Our mindset affects our heart, and our hearts affect our mindset. When we set our minds on the things of the flesh - the ways of this world - our heart begins to value and follow the world. When our hearts value and follow the world, our thoughts are directed toward what we value and follow. Likewise, if we set our minds on things above - Jesus Christ - our hearts are transformed from valuing earthly things to become delighted with heavenly things. And our minds will follow. We are also told to take every thought captive to Christ (2Corinthians 10:5). For then, our hearts will also be captive to Him!
And that's Just A Thought for today! May the Lord bless you as you keep your mind stayed on Him today.
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Pastor Greg