“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, the things of the Spirit.” Romans 8:5.(NIV)
What differentiates the carnal Christian from one who is spiritual is where their mind is
set. Put another way, what controls/dominates your mind determines whether you are a
carnal or spiritual believer. The carnal Christian sets his mind on the flesh or the five
senses (touch, sight, smell, hearing and taste).. These are what dominates his thinking
and controls his decisions.
This kind of mind cannot please God because it does not submit to the word of God
especially where the senses are the word of God do not agree. “The mind governed by
the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. Those who
are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God.” Romans 8:7-8. (NIV). It is possible to
have the gifts of the Spirit manifest through you even though you are a carnal Christian.
(compare 1Cor.1:4-7 with 3:1 and 13:1-3).
The spiritual Christian sets his mind on the things of the spirit. We understand from
John 6:63 that the word of God is spirit. “It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits
nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life.” John 6:63. Therefore,
the spiritual Christian is the one whose mind is controlled/dominated by the word of
God. His decisions and actions are influenced by the word of God even when it goes
contrary to what his senses are telling him. Such a mind pleases God because it is
submissive to the word of God.
Compared to benefits of being spiritually minded, the benefits from being carnally
minded pales in significance. Hence John 6:63 says that the flesh profits nothing. “For
to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.” Romans 8:6
THOUGHTS FOR THE WEEK
If God can get money through you, He can get money to you. Are you a channel or a
reservoir?