◄ What Does Romans 8:6 Mean? ►

The habits that we set up in our thinking, develop a fixed mental attitude which pre-determines the way that we respond to life-situations - a mind-set that influences our reactions to the circumstances that touch our lives, a disposition that constructs a set of self-imposed values and perceptions about God (and other people) that may be twisted or false, unless they are founded upon the truth.

The mind-set of the unsaved can only emanate from the inherent, old sin nature, which is at enmity with God and which builds into a pagan, anti-God, mental attitude. The mind-set of a believer is able to be influenced by the old sin nature, which develops into a carnal Christian OR the new-life in Christ, which blossoms into a spiritual believer. The former makes a habit of walking in the way of the world and the flesh, while the latter makes a practice of walking in spirit and in truth. The carnally minded believer leads to death while the spiritually minded believer leads to life and peace.

Whatever mind-set develops in the heart of a believer, whether carnal or spiritual, his position in Christ and his eternal life remains secure forever, for it rests upon the faithfulness of God to keep His promises, not upon the unfaithfulness of God's blood-bought children towards their Heavenly Father. Praise God for His unfailing grace.

Death in Scripture means separation from God, and for a carnally minded believer, death means estrangement from God - broken fellowship - interrupted communion - inner turmoil. When a believer develops a carnal mind-set, he habitually constructs a false set of values, incorrect perceptions about God, and distances himself from the Lord that bought him.

But praise God we can rectify this sad state of affairs by changing the way we think - by habitually setting our heart on heavenly things - by continuously looking to Jesus - by fervently drinking in His Word - and by developing a spiritual mind-set that makes for life and peace.

Let us be careful not to get sucked into the world's way of thinking about God, but let us develop the spirit of Christ. Let us put off our carnal mind-set and develop a fixed mental attitude that is founded and focussed on Jesus Christ.

Loving Father, thank You for Your faithfulness, that even when I am faithless You prove faithful. Help me to keep the eyes of my heart fixed on Jesus, and help me to develop a spiritual mind-set that honours You. In Jesus' name I pray, AMEN.