ROMANS 8:5

“For those who are in accord with the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who are in accord with the Spirit, the things of the Spirit.”

You may have heard the expression, “If you lie down with dogs, expect to get fleas.” Paul even hints at that in 1 Corinthians 15:33 when he writes, “Do not be deceived: ‘Bad company corrupts good morals.’” What you spend your time doing and thinking about is sure to affect how you live. You can choose to think about good things and hang out with good people, or you can choose the opposite which will surely bring your down. Your choice.

Paul speaks now in comparisons to further explain what he has just been talking about in 8:1-4. There are no hidden messages in today’s verse. It is self-explanatory. If you live according to the flesh, it is obvious your thoughts are on the flesh. If you live according to the Spirit, then you must be thinking spiritually. You are what you think. I heard a quote recently that said, “Thoughts Become Words, Words Become Actions, Actions Become Habits, Habits Become Character, Character Becomes Your Destiny.” I believe Paul would have agreed with that.

APPLICATION

There is probably no better explanation of this verse than Galatians 5:19-24 where Paul compares flesh and Spirit. “19 Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: sexual immorality, impurity, indecent behavior, 20 idolatry, witchcraft, hostilities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions, 21 envy, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.”

Anyone can read those verses and understand the difference between the two, right? Then why do so many Christians struggle with the flesh, me included? I may not be involved with a sexual sin, but I can sure let my anger loose. That’s not of the Spirit. Do you see anger listed as a fruit of the Spirit? Nope. But Carl, I can’t help getting angry. Untrue. If you are a follower of Christ, the Spirit in you can rid you of it.

I choose today to set my mind on things of the Spirit and not things of the flesh. I have to make that decision every day. If I don’t, that old angry man will rise up. Today name your sin of flesh and give it to the Lord. He will purify you and give you the strength to walk in the Spirit.

Father God, I will choose Spirit over flesh today. Help me guard my lips.

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