Romans 8:5-6 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.
Introduction
As believers, we have a responsibility to align our hearts, souls, and minds with God. Romans 8:5-6 teaches that to be spiritually minded is life and peace, but to be carnally minded is death.
To mind something means to exercise or concern yourself with it. A carnal mind leads to death because it is disconnected from God’s best. However, a spiritual mind is always aligned with God’s will and produces life and peace.
The Power of the Mind
The mind is the processing center—where we reason and make decisions. If your mind is spiritual, your thoughts, actions, and decisions will reflect God’s will.
- A carnal mind operates by the five senses, relying solely on physical experiences.
- A spiritual mind understands God’s ways and thoughts, consistently guided by His Word.
Many wrong decisions come from not training our minds spiritually. To live a life directed by God, we must be spiritually minded.
How to Become Spiritually Minded
1. Develop a Relationship with God
Loving God transforms your mind. When you spend time in His presence, His Spirit shapes your thoughts and decisions. A strong relationship with God positions you to experience His best for your life.
2. Study the Word – Not Just Read It
Romans 15:4 says that everything written in Scripture is for our learning. The Word of God is meant to educate, renew, and transform our minds.
John 6:63 reminds us that the Word brings life. To be spiritually minded, we must prioritize God’s Word daily—guarding our hearts, filtering what we watch, listen to, and engage with.
The Role of Divine Intelligence
Wisdom comes from God. A spiritually minded believer understands the ways of God and discerns the right course of action.
1 Corinthians 2:9, 12-13, 16 highlights how a believer, guided by the Spirit, knows what to do per time. Paul trained his mind to align with God, making decisions based on divine wisdom rather than human understanding.
Examples of a Spiritually Minded Life
- Joseph knew, through his relationship with God, that he should not sin with Potiphar’s wife. His spiritual mindset helped him make the right decisions in every season.
- Paul foresaw danger on his journey to Rome, while others, driven by their senses, did not perceive it (Acts 27).
- Hebrews 8:10 emphasizes that God’s laws are written in our minds and hearts so that we may know what to do at all times.
Final Thoughts
Joshua 1:8 instructs us to meditate on the Word day and night so that our paths will be prosperous and full of peace.
A spiritually minded person seeks God daily, renews their mind with the Word, and makes decisions based on divine wisdom.
Will you choose to be spiritually minded today?
