Those who live according to the sinful
nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in
accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. Rom.8.5
There are two mindsets presented here, and
a strong suggestion of choice. I am free to choose either one. I can choose to
live according to the sinful nature, and my mindset will correspond with what
that nature desires.
Alternatively I can choose to live in
accordance with God’s Spirit. In this case, my mindset will align with what the
Spirit desires. This, of course, is my choice. Yet, having made this choice, I
am still tempted by the ways of the sinful nature. Does this mean I am
basically undecided, or even double-minded? I don’t think so. I believe so long
as evil has any sort of presence on this earth (and this I can expect to be so
until the return of Christ in glory), then I can expect – and so can all
sincere believers expect – the forces of evil to attempt to affect my mindset.
There is, however, considerable difference
between attempts and success. Evil forces may try to deflect me from my way of
life in the Spirit, but this does not mean they will succeed. I have a
powerful, a most powerful, force working for me. This is the Holy Spirit
Himself. The Spirit is God’s gift to me. His presence with me and in me comes
by the will and anointing of God. I have received the Spirit, and the Spirit
holds me, in trust, to God.
Does this mean when evil forces tempt, that
I am to do nothing? Not at all! Adverse action, or even no action, might render
me guilty of “blaspheming” the Holy Spirit. I most certainly don’t want to do
this. Rather, I return to the Scripture, and remind myself that I have chosen
to live in accordance with the Spirit. My mindset is in accord with what the
Spirit desires and I must believe
that the Spirit is with me. Furthermore, Jesus has promised me that the Spirit
will guide me into all truth (John
16.13). But, again, I have a choice. I can choose to believe this or not. My
choice, overwhelmingly, is to believe. I have absolutely no reason to
disbelieve Jesus. He has said that the Holy Spirit will guide me into all
truth. I have chosen the Holy Spirit way of life and my mindset is Holy Spirit
based. Therefore, when the ways of the sinful nature intrude and tempt me, I
turn to the Spirit. I know the Spirit will guide me. I have confidence in this.
Even this edifies me and encourages me.
My confidence is not in me but in Him. I
will get through; I will overcome because of who God is, and not because of who
I am. He has chosen me. He has drawn me to Himself. He deigns to call me
“Child”. And I respond. I respond with every part of my being. I am His. I look
for His Spirit to fill me to overflowing, to establish my mindset and to guide
me, always, with the truth. I determine to fix my eyes on Jesus, and to follow
Him as He has invited me to. I nestle into the Father’s embrace. He is my
strength and comfort. Yes, the way of the Spirit is my chosen way. Come, Holy
Spirit, lead me on.
Lord
God ,
I
thank You for Your Holy Spirit. I thank You that You have blessed me with the
gift of the Spirit. I choose to live in accordance with the Spirit. I ask for
the fullness of a mindset in Your Spirit.
Come,
Holy Spirit, indwell me. Consume me with holy presence and power. Guide me into
all truth. Let me never give myself over to the sinful nature. I am God’s child.
Jesus is my brother and I choose to follow Him. I give myself to this but I
know I cannot follow through in my own strength. I need You. Lead me, Holy
Spirit. May I walk in the ways that are pleasing to my Holy God. May I learn
more of Jesus and, in the learning, get to know Him more, draw closer to Him,
and walk constantly with Him.
Show
me God’s way and lead me fully in it. I give myself to You today. Let us travel
the day together. Use me as You will. Enjoy me if You will. I want You, and
whatever You may have for me to do. I submit. I will be led by You. Hallelujah!
Precious
Lord, I praise Your name. Amen.
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