The Flesh vs The Spirit

“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.” - Romans 8:5-6 NIV

In today’s passage in Romans, Paul describes the classic battle between the flesh and the Spirit. Really asking the question, “On what is your mind set?”
What are you focused on?
Satisfying your own fleshly desires or what the Holy Spirit desires?

My kids are growing up in a society that has already been through the “Me” generation and the X and Y Generation that, while doing some good things, saw the deterioration and graying of moral values. Through those generations, it became all about ME. Satisfying my own desires first and foremost. With little regard to the needs or feelings of others.

That’s why I like such movements as the “I Am Second” movement. The movement that has famous actors, athletes, CEOs sharing why they are second and God is first.These kinds of things send a great reminder of who we are supposed to be as followers of Jesus.

As a Christian Believer. That is, as a follower of Jesus, I need to evaluate my heart and my mind-set on a daily (if not hourly) basis.

Am I being ruled by the flesh and my fleshly desires? Am I allowing the world (or even the world around me) to form my thoughts, actions and opinions? Allowing the flesh to rule my desires?

Or am I being formed and shaped my the Holy Spirit living within me? Allowing the Spirit’s desire for life and peace to rule me? Allowing my decisions, choices, actions and thoughts to be formed and directed by the Spirit within me?

It’s classic battle that wages within us. The flesh vs The Spirit. Which will you be governed by?

On what is your mind set?

Keep the Faith... Carpe Diem