The Living Dead

For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.  Romans 8:6

I was so encouraged that yesterday’s devotional sparked so much conversation.  I am so impressed by the spiritual depth and maturity of this devotional family.  Some of your notes were challenging, asking me questions to provoke thought so that I can further clarify what I believe I’m learning.  Thank you!

I’ve got my feet set pretty firmly in this new direction.  Those who live according to the flesh are unbelievers.  Those who live according to the Spirit are God’s children.  Another reason for this conclusion is because of the phrase, ‘setting your mind’, in today’s scripture.

To set my mind on the flesh is to be habitually consumed with things that offend God.  How can I focus all my attention, as a consistent way of life, on the very things enemies of God think about?  Doesn’t that make me God’s enemy?  I believe Paul is saying ‘yes’. “She who is self-indulgent is dead even while she lives.”  I Timothy 5:6  She is the ‘living dead!’

The unbeliever lives for himself.  He is consumed with getting his needs met his way.  He has no thought of God except for the occasional nagging at his soul that something is wrong.

The believer has been born again into a completely new reality.  God has become his father.  He is being re-parented by a perfect Parent.  Everything he used to love, and want, has been turned upside down.  His mind and heart were set in a new direction.  His heart – made new – is aware of a deep peace that he is finally right with God.  He is not perfect, but he is on the path of righteousness and his mind is habitually set on the new reality of the kingdom.

One of you sent a short email asking the question, “Where does the lukewarm church fit in?”  I don’t know yet for sure but I’m studying. One thought is this ~ If I offend my earthly Father, I’m still going to be thinking about him, perhaps even obsessed. A true child of God can not live grieving His Heavenly Father without it tearing at his soul.

Lead me into all truth.  In Jesus’ name, Amen