Striving for a spiritual mindset

Romans 8:6 - For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God's law; indeed, it cannot. Those who are in the flesh cannot please God.

In Romans 8:6, Paul highlights the importance of being spiritually minded above being motivated by the flesh, claiming that the former leads to life and peace. Being spiritually minded entails focusing on matters of the spiritual and nurturing spiritual desires rather than worldly desires. The natural man exists solely to gratify the desires of the flesh, whereas the spiritual Christian exists solely to gratify the things of the Spirit. So, what exactly does it mean to be spiritually minded?

 1. We are to live for the gospel.  As Christians our lives revolve around the gospel. The Holy Spirit dwells in us, creating a new life when we place our trust in Christ Jesus and His sacrificial work for our sins. Apart from believing in the gospel, spiritually minded Christians become a witness to it both in word and deed. We share the message and ensure that our conduct is in line with what we believe. Therefore, the gospel is not just basic teaching to outgrow, but, we grow with the gospel.  Philippians 1:27 - Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel.

 2. We are to display the fruit of the Spirit. This is a metaphor for the character traits the Holy Spirit cultivates in the life of the believers, who yield to His influence and desires. Spiritually minded Christians strive to exhibit this fruit in their lives by aligning themselves with the desires of the Spirit. Galatians 5:22-23 - But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.

3.  We are to feed on the Word. As spiritually minded Christians we are experiencing the sanctification process that comes from reading, studying, and meditating on Scriptures. The Bible is God's unique revelation to humanity. It demonstrates who God is and what He expects from His children. As a result, feeding on the Word should always be a joy rather than a chore. We can also gain from sound teachers and other relevant spiritual resources. Romans 12:2 - Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

4.  We are to pray without ceasing. Being a spiritually minded Christian also involves having a prayer life. We pray to God in order to grow in intimacy with him. We commune with the Father, recognizing our dependency on Him, and express our requests while we submit to His will. We also seek grace to live by the Spirit, acknowledging that it is God who gives us the ability to fulfill His good desires. Philippians 2:13 - for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.

 5. We are to fellowship with other believers. Recognizing the positive value of peer pressure, spiritually minded Christians prioritize the gathering of the saints. Christians are not expected to be lone wolvers, but to be part of a “pack” f committed believers. There is spiritual growth, forgiveness, love, grace and encouragement found in the beauty of fellowship and when we stand strong together as believers in Christ. Proverbs 27:17 – Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.

 6.  We are to have a new view of suffering. Suffering is inevitable in a broken world, but the spiritually minded Christian finds a purpose through the trials and pains of life. Suffering can come from loss, sickness, struggles with sinful desires or even persecution. Whatever the case, it is a refining process and ultimately meaningful. We are also promised comfort in hard times. Roman 5:3-5 - Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.

7.  We are to develop intimacy with God. Like a good spouse in a healthy marriage, spiritually minded Christians foster intimacy with God. This includes worship, prayers, studying the Word, fellowshipping with other Christians, walking in the Spirit, and living a godly life. Those who live by the Spirit understand that they have a relationship with the Father that redefines everything. They love Him by obeying His commands and upholding His values. Intimacy with God is demonstrated by the indwelling of the Spirit and our union with Christ, which shapes our identity, attitudes, and views. 2 Peter 3:18 - But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.

Overall, spiritually minded Christians are gospel-centered, fruitful, biblically literate, prayerful, active in a local church, and have a renewed view of life.