LED BY THE SPIRIT

"Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together." (Romans 8:12-17)

Devotion 14 of 20

SPIRITUAL MINDEDNESS

One further word on this vital aspect of life in Christ. No one is able to repel Satan's advances or stand faultless before God without being "spiritually minded." If our religion does not affect our minds--our mindset--it is vain. The Scriptures address this subject with unusual clarity. "For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God" (Rom 8:5-8).

Two Realms

There are only two realms in which the mind can traffic--the realm of the Spirit and the realm of the flesh. Those whose minds are not renewed dwell upon the things of the flesh, and thus are dead to God (Eph 4:18; Col 1:21). The thrust of their minds has alienated them from God, rendering them incapable of pleasing Him in any way. The "spiritual mind," however, produces sensitivity to God, as well as the ability to joyfully yield to Him. It also initiates peace to the heart, bringing tranquility to the trusting one, though in a tumultuous environment.

Spiritual mindedness is the result of being led by the Spirit. This is what occurs when the Spirit directs our paths. Those who are not harmonious with the Holy Spirit in their thinking are not being led by the Spirit. In fact, such individuals are at war with God, though their dulness of heart makes them insensitive of the seriousness of their condition. The perception of this single facet of truth liberates the soul from all manner of religious error and confusion.

The Evidence

Where men and women are subduing the flesh, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, they are being led by the Spirit. Their activity is their evidence of His leading. Wherever this is not occurring, the Spirit is not leading. It makes little difference what audacious claims of Divine direction are made. It simply is not so. The Spirit of God is "Holy," and leads men into holiness, which is another way of saying "out of the flesh." People who follow the dictates of "the flesh" are walking in their own way, and it is one that leads to destruction (Matt 7:13-14).

PRAYER POINT: Father, in Jesus' name, and through Your Holy Spirit, help me place my affection on things above, and not on things on the earth.

-- TOMORROW: DELIVERANCE FROM THE LAW --