Romans 8:5-6

Passage

For the ones who are according to the flesh fix their attention upon the things of the flesh, but the ones according to the Spirit fix their attention upon the things of the spirit.  For the way of thinking of the flesh is death.  But the way of thinking of the Spirit is life and peace.

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

Paul gives us a real litmus test here in verse 5.  Those who set their mind upon the things of this world are in the flesh.  Only those who set their mind upon the things of the Spirit are of the spirit.  It really doesn’t leave much room for debate.  With respect to your time, your thoughts, your actions, your desires, and your attention – what has your focus?

Do you focus more on the things of this world or the things of God?  Why is it important to consider this question honestly and truthfully?

Second Thought:

The way of thinking of the flesh is death.  Of course this sentence speaks eternally.  Those apart from God will not live into eternal life with God.  However, this sentence speaks to the world as well.  The things of the world don’t last.  Ever get a great gift as a child?  How many of those gifts are still as important to you today as they were then?  Ever buy that great car?  How long did that last?  What about that great house?  How long did it last before needing repair or upgrading?  The reality is that the things of this world don’t sustain us forever.  They don’t last.  Even while we’re alive here and now, the things of this world still point us to death.

If this is true, why is it that we do we still focus so much on the things of this world?

Third Thought:

The way of thinking of the Spirit is life and peace.  As with the last thought, I believe this thought speaks not only to our eternal life but also to the here and now.  We have peace with God through Christ now.  We can share God’s love now.  We can find satisfaction in sharing God’s mercy now.  These things last.  The relationships built through these things last.

Why do we struggle to hold onto the value of things like love, peace, mercy, kindness, and grace?  What can you do to help you value these things more?

Passage for Tomorrow: Romans 8:7-8