Romans 8:3-5
"For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh, that the righteous requirements of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. "
While there is the possibility that all might benefit from Christ's work on the cross, having come as a man, suffering for the sins of all humanity, and meeting the law's requirement that sinners should die, only those who are touched by the Spirit receive the benefit of a life made right before God.
Believers are the ones whom the Spirit touches and begins to occupy our minds. We are the ones who no longer set our minds on the things of the world, but now seek after God's will and law, as revealed to by the Spirit. We're now occupied with the things of God and not the things of self.
Lots of things compete to occupy our minds. Just getting along in life requires most of our attentions, with rest a fleeting dream for many. And, even as believers, we're not immune to the siren of fleshly passions. If we allow our minds to be fed by a constant barrage of images of the things of this world, we'll be invaded by the flesh, forgetting the things of God.
Of course, it shouldn't be so for the believer. We must invite the Spirit to occupy our minds. This is the setting of our minds on the things above. This is making a comfortable place for the Lord to reside in us. This is dwelling with God on a daily and even moment by moment basis.
Sure, we should enjoy life's pleasures, but never forget for a moment that they will pale beside the hope we have of one day seeing eternity with Christ.
LORD JESUS
Lord, I invite you to occupy my mind, crowding out every thought which turns me away from you. Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment