Why be spiritually minded? Some may ask. The Scripture gives the answer. The apostle Paul explains in his letter to the Christians at Rome.
“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 set their minds on the things of the Spirit. 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” (Romans 8:5-8).
Carefully note: the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God’s law. Therefore, we need the Holy Spirit to deliver us from the old nature by producing righteousness in us,
When Jesus saved us, he did not remove the old nature Christians were born with. Hence there is conflict of the Spirit with the old nature. Thus Paul exhorts us to “Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh” (Galatians 5:16).
All believers in Christ must choose to be Spiritually minded at all times. This is accomplished by allowing the indwelling Holy Spirit to fix our minds on the eternal realities of God’s grace and fill us with holy desires and purposes.
The mind of the unregenerate (unsaved) man is indeed hostile to God: he is negative in his attitude towards God; negative to God’s holiness and righteousness; and negative to God’s commandments. He remains in the valley of defeat and despair. No wonder the Bible says: to set the mind on the flesh is death.
Paul told the Colossians “If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God” (Colossians 3:1-3).
This text is very noteworthy. Remember, Paul is writing to Christians and he begins the text, If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above. This is an important observation. Christians are raised with Christ to walk in the newness of life. Also note, seek the things that are above. It implies keep on seeking.
Paul is not done yet. Look what follows the quoted text above: “When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory” (Colossians 3:4). And because of the believer’s union with Christ, this is applicable to the present life and to life hereafter. What a glorious thought. It sure pays to be Spiritually minded? Especially in anticipation of the Lord’s imminent return.
We hail you as King of kings and Lord of lords
We gladly welcome that day of your appearing —
A day of great triumph and marvelous wonder
We shall arise; Hallelujah. We shall arise; Amen
When we shall meet you with adoring hearts.
—Geoff Daniels 11/2022
The Scripture puts great emphasis on the mind of believers. Paul says, “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” (Romans 12:2).
The text is telling us not to conform to the pattern and practices of this ungodly world around us. Instead, we must be transformed by the renewal of our mind. This transformation will enable us to test and discern what is the will of God. Renewal, in the biblical context, means to make new spiritually. The mind is contaminated daily because of the presence of sin in the world.
So then, mind renewal is absolutely essential if Christians are going to know what is true, good and acceptable and perfect according to God’s righteous standards. Mind renewal sets our focus on God so as not to be conformed to this world.
In all these things we can clearly see why it is essential to be spiritually minded. Glory to God.