Flesh or Spirit?
- 3 days ago
- 1 min read
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 set their minds on the things of the Spirit. For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.
Romans 8:5, 6 (ESV)
The mind is the control center of the body. No action of any part of the body happens without receiving a signal from the brain. If the hand is to hold a cup of water, the brain must tell the hand to do so. If the feet are to take you from one point to another, the mind must dictate it.
Actions stem from the mind. If we are to be the hands and feet of Christ, we must have the mind of Christ (1 Corinthians 2:16). If we are to have the mind of Christ, then we must set our minds on things of the Spirit. The flesh-minded would use their hands to harm, but the Spirit-minded would use their hands to heal. The flesh-minded would speak hostility, but the Spirit-minded would use their words to cultivate peace.
What would Jesus do? Many have seen the question plastered on bumper stickers and shirts, especially in the 90s and early 2000s. Though the message was nearly lost in its frivolity, it remains a valid question. We must hold every thought captive (2 Corinthians 10:5), and we must ask ourselves who our thoughts motivate us to serve. Will we serve the flesh? Or will we serve the Spirit?
Non Nobis Nati
