A Christian's greatest need, without exception, is to be spiritually minded. This means the primary focus of life is spiritual matters. It means that every thought and action is controlled by what God wants. This way of thinking always asks, "Do these thoughts, does this behavior, please God? How does God want me to think and what does God want me to do?"

Read and think:
"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. For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace" (Romans 8:5-6).

We have a choice; two alternatives: 1) Being carnally minded; 2) Being spiritually minded. The carnal mind makes its life focus (sets its mind on) fleshly things. The spiritual mind makes its life focus (sets its mind on) spiritual things. Note the condition of each mind. The fleshly mind "is death." The spiritual mind "is life and peace."

Let's be honest about it. Every Christian struggles between those two mind-sets. At times we are clearly focused on spiritual things while at other times we find ourselves allowing worldly values to determine our attitudes and behavior. The spiritual minded person understands this and continually wages war against worldly influences that seek to control life. "Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand" (Ephesians 6:13). The carnal minded person ignores the danger seeking to justify participation.

The spiritual minded person is always looking for ways to be and do what God wants. This person never sees their present level of spiritual commitment and development as sufficient. Studying Scripture, self-evaluation, prayer, exhortation, confession and repentance make up the foundation of their daily lives. "Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Therefore let us, as many as are mature, have this mind..." (Philippians 3:13-15).

Some may ask, "How can I know if I'm carnally or spiritual minded?" Think! When you are faced with deciding whether to do something that is good for you spiritually verses doing something that satisfies the fleshly mind, which do you choose? Which do you find pleasure in doing? Which gives you the most satisfaction? Which creates more excitement in you? Yes, at times we must force ourselves to do what is spiritually best, but such forcing begins the process of change and the forming of spiritual habits. "If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth" (Colossians 3:1-2). Even acceptable activities of the world must always be secondary!

- Rogers Reflector, 6/20/1999