THE CARNAL MIND

The carnal mind

 

I can see God, the angels and redeemed saints in heaven routing for us from heaven. Can you see an angel in heaven saying," Be spiritually minded so you can have eternal life?" How many times did they see a carnally minded person eternally separated from God for all eternity? They do not like dealing with that outcome.

 

We sometimes look at an unbeliever and get frustrated but according to the Bible they cannot be guided by the Holy Spirit and follow God. (6) "For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. (7) Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. (8) So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God." Romans 8:6-8.

 

Carnal is sinful but to be spiritually minded is to have our focus on Jesus Christ. One leads to death and unrest. The other leads to life and peace. Our sin goes against the Spirit of God but the Spirit of God goes against sin. A carnal mind is an enemy of God.

 

Every once in a while I will hear a person that has not accepted Jesus Christ into his or her heart say they follow the law. The Bible says in Romans 8:7," Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be." The only way a person can obey God is through Jesus Christ.

 

Flesh is not defined in the Bible but it is that independent streak that rises up against God and desires self will in their heart. According to verse 8..."Flesh cannot please God."

 

There is a saying in our society called "Bad karma." It is very popular. Even unbelievers recognize this principle but the name is not correct.

 

The Bible refers to this as the sowing and reaping principle. "For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption, but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting." Galatians 6:8. 

 

Flesh leads to corruption. I have seen this in my own life. Even the unbelievers over here cannot even look at society without complaining how evil is present everywhere they turn.

 

The believers in Jesus Christ are vexed in their soul and understand we live in a country that has kicked God out of every arena in life. Both parties are now seeing the end result of sin or flesh which is corruption.

 

Thank God for the second part of this verse which says, ... "But he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting." Is life everlasting better than corruption? If we keep sinning are we saying we want corruption? If we do the will of God do we want everlasting Life? The answer to all three of these questions is yes.

 

"There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death." Proverbs 14:12. Be careful of the broad path of life. Everyone thinks this way so I will go to this direction.

 

This way may look great on the outside but if it is only short term then you are probably sowing to the flesh. There are so many breakups in life but I have come to learn that we should be on the path for the long term through Jesus Christ. If there is no eternal value in what you are doing let it go and move into something substantial for Jesus Christ.

 

One way to determine if we are on the right course in life is to examine ourselves. Ask yourself one question ... "Am I a friend of this world or do I feel uncomfortable in my journey of Life?"

 

We are just passing through this life." Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul." 1 Peter 2:11." Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God." James 4:4.

 

Adulterers is a strong word. I look at these famous people that have so much money and power. Most of them have been propelled by the devil to get to the top. What a waste.

 

They are misleading so many people because the way seemed right to them but friendship with the world is enmity with God. The Bible says, "In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them." 2 Corinthians 4:4.

 

Notice this verse says ..."The god of this world." Satan is the god of this world. I hope you are seeing why friendship with this world is bad and can only lead to the ways of death.

 

This is the question ..."How can we be friends with this world when the devil is the god of this world?" No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please Him who hath chosen him to be a solder." 2 Timothy 2:4.

 

Who are we following? On the one hand there is lust but on the other hand there are the characteristics of righteousness. One leads to carnality and the other leads to life and peace with a pure heart.

 

This is why the book of Timothy goes on to say, "Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart." 2 Timothy 2:22.

 

There are many different sins of lust but the end result will be, "Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth." 2 Timothy 3:7. If we pursue righteousness, faith, charity and peace we will be guided by the Holy Spirit and God will give us wisdom in His timing. Never push the timing of God. If a passenger in a car tried to steer the wheel of a car then more than likely there will be an accident. 

 

If there were ever three verses that sum up this whole subject it would be the words of John given to him by the Holy Spirit. (15) "Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world, If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. (16) For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. (17) And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever." I John 2:15-17.

 

Maybe this is why the Bible says, "Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth." Colossians 3:2. Where is our affection? Do we want something so bad in this world? Do we want to commit that sin? Do we want to walk around prideful in this world? Do we want our affection to be focused on the person of Jesus Christ? The first three questions should be no. The last question should be yes. It all comes down to loving Jesus Christ.

 

If you don't know Jesus Christ as your personal Savior and Lord now might be a good time to invite Him into your heart by sincerely repenting of all your sins. If you just made that decision then the path in your life will be very different but you must also make a decision to be spiritually minded as opposed to being earthy minded. Obviously I explained the whole subject in the article so this point that the Holy Spirit makes in the Bible should be understood. If it is not just talk to the Lord about the subject and ask Him to open up your eyes that your heart should be on the truths of heaven. 

 

"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." Philippians 4:8.

 

Try to read the Bible everyday because the Scripture says, "Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus." Philippians 2:5. When we allow the Holy Spirit to guide us our mind changes and we start to think the way God sees our situations. Jesus Christ loves you and He just desires us to love Him back and then our journey in life will change from carnal to spiritual.

 

God Bless you,

Bob D.