Mind on the Flesh

Without truth, the world is a confusing place to live. I think this is why the New Testament puts such great emphasis on setting our minds on things of the Spirit rather than the flesh (Romans 8:5). "The flesh" is one of the most misunderstood concepts in Scripture. We usually associate "Flesh" with sinful passions and corrupt appetites for fleshly desires. "The flesh" includes that, but the idea is much bigger than that.

A mind set on the flesh is a mind set on all that we see and know to be the world we live in. Here is what I mean. If you took a picture of the front of your house or a busy street, you would see a picture of "the world" or, to put it another way, "the flesh." This meaning becomes clear when you contrast "the flesh" with "the Spirit" from Romans 8:5. The Spirit includes the things that God is interested in.

God doesn't care about bricks and floors. He cares about your home. The family that lives there.

God doesn't care about your job. He cares about your diligence at work and that you strive to provide and give.

God doesn't care about our church buildings. He cares about who we reach and how well we take care of one another.

Living by the Spirit, based on the truth revealed in Scripture eliminates a lot of confusion. I propose that we take those pictures of our houses and streets and tear them into pieces. Or maybe we should adjust our attention from the world we see at eye level and turn our gaze upward, to the King of Kings who commands us to take up His cause. When our minds are set on things of the Spirit, our priorities find their proper place. Home before house. Generosity before job. Kingdom before church building. Christ before self.

As we seek to have our minds renewed and set on things of the Spirit, remember that it is "this world" that is competing for your affections. If we are tricked into thinking that our enemy is merely sinful temptations, the battle has already been lost.