“Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God.“
Romans 8:5-8

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“I’m no different than I used to be!” My husband sat slumped on the couch. He’d just lost his temper over something trivial, and his anger had dissolved into discouragement. “I just don’t feel like God has changed me at all.”

I shook my head. “That’s not true,” I said, searching for the words to convince him. If only he could see what I see—the steady, subtle changes in his mind and outlook that I’ve observed in the time I’ve known him. Since surrendering his life to God, he has gradually become more patient, more selfless, more discerning, more Christlike. While still imperfect, his goals and desires have changed. Instead of living for himself and pursuing his own pleasure, he wants to live a life that pleases God.

When we come to Christ, we are transformed into new creatures who look different from what we were before when we were dead in our sins. In Romans 8:5-8, we see the difference: those who do not know God live according to the flesh, pursuing their own desires and those who live in step with the Spirit. Romans 8:7-8 describes the mind set on the flesh as hostile to God and states that it is impossible for those who are in the flesh to please God. On the other hand, those who live according to the Spirit find life and peace (Romans 8:6).

Though here on earth there will still be times when we struggle with the flesh, those who are in Christ can rejoice in the fact that we have been made new. When we surrender our lives to Him, God fills us with His Holy Spirit and transforms our minds and desires. No longer will we be stuck with a mind set on pursuing sinful passions that lead to death. Instead, God will give us new minds that love Him.

Questions for reflection and discussion:

  • Think back to your life before Christ. Do you notice a change in your desires and what you pursue?
  • How has your mindset changed since knowing God?
  • How can this encourage you when you struggle with the flesh?

Church Reading Plan: Proverbs 27; 2 Thessalonians 1