Romans 8:6
6 The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.
(NIV Translation)
In this verse, Paul compares living by our own desires, our flesh, to living by God’s Spirit. He says that those who follow Christ live by the Spirit.
Those who live by the flesh focus on things that are here on earth, while those who live by the Spirit focus on things that are spiritual.
A focus on sinful desires can lead to death, as Paul says in verse 2:”… through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.”
Meanwhile, focusing on spiritual things will lead to life and peace.
Here’s the cool part: Paul says that God doesn’t want it to stop there. We’ve gone from “death” to “life,” and from “the road to death” to “the path of life.” And we’re going to keep walking this path. Christians keep their minds focused on the Spiri because that’s where we’re headed! We’ve left the path to death behind.
Dear Lord, thank You for Your awesome power and love. Your sacrifice enables us to have everlasting peace and life. Help us to stay in Your will, doing the things that please You, as we walk in the Spirit. Grant us the needs of our heart, and help us to to bless others. Forgive us for our transgressions and grant us the peace to be able to offer grace to those who have hurt us. In Jesus name we pray, AMEN.
