Scripture: Romans 8:5-6 Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.
Devotional: Chances are, nobody had to teach you to have negative thoughts. You may have adopted some as a result of someone else’s words or treatment of you, but as humans, it comes pretty naturally for us to think negatively. That’s what Scripture calls the flesh. And when we consistently give in to and live according to the flesh, it leads down a slippery slope of destruction and death.
It’s important to realize that it takes effort to combat the flesh. There’s literally a war going on inside your mind. Galatians 5:17 speaks of this: “For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want.”
If you want to have victory over your negative thoughts, that requires surrendering yourself to the Spirit of God. Galatians 5 goes on to say in verse 24-25: “Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.” Intentional effort to walk with Jesus each day through prayer and being in His Word will strengthen you in your journey.
Reflect:
- In what ways are you cultivating living according to the Spirit?
