The Spirit or the Flesh?

Aparaphrase of Paul’s writings to the Corinthians states that by beholding, we become changed (2 Corinthians 3:18).

We become like that upon which we focus our attention. What we behold, or put into our minds, molds us into its own image. What you focus on forms you into what you will be. In Romans 8:5, the same author tells us that the person who fills the mind with things of an earthly or carnal nature is going to live “according to the flesh.” The old-fashioned preachers who denounced going to the theater or watching television had a very good point. There are things that go into the mind that don’t do anything positive for a believer in Jesus in light of eternity and therefore place obstacles between the believer and the gates of pearl. On the other hand, those who “live according to the Spirit” will set their minds on “the things of the Spirit.” Reading the Bible develops an inclination for reading the Bible. Habitual worship bends a life toward God.

Prayer connects a heart with the heart of God.

Serving others is an antidote for selfishness.

While focusing on exterior matters is not the way to spiritual health, a desire for holiness should be accompanied by practices that develop a love for the things of heaven. The mind absorbs that which it is fed. Just as malnourishment can retard physical and mental development and lead to illness, spiritual malnourishment unfits a person for the society of heaven. A real danger with spiritual malnourishment is that, just as poor health practices often take years to damage a body or a mind, spiritual carelessness can often appear harmless until serious spiritual damage has been done and it is too late to undo. Mind the things of the Spirit today. Living “according to the Spirit” brings joy on this earth and in the world to come.