Not of the Same Mind

For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love. For the whole law can be summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” But if you are always biting and devouring one another, watch out! Beware of destroying one another.

So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves. The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions.

Galatians 5:13-17 NLT

There's the answer to the reason why we often feel at odds with ourselves and even with others. Flesh and Spirit. They are not of the same mindset. So which one do we choose? We must acknowledge and then remember that life paths are decided by our thoughts, words, and deeds. Keep in mind that our physical bodies are inclined to evil, but the Spirit is not. 

Let's stop and take inventory of our recent mindsets. Are we focused on following Christ? Are we seeking direction from the Holy Spirit? Are we praising and making melodies in our hearts for the Lord? Are we stressed about the economy? Worried about our jobs? Envious or jealous of a friend or co-worker? What is at the forefront of our thoughts? Given that knowledge, are we headed on the right path? 

Prayer:

Father, 
           Your Word tells us that the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! Help us to always be living in the Light of the Spirit.
           We choose to belong to Your Son and as such, we have nailed the passions and desires of our sinful nature to His cross and crucified them there. We choose to follow the Spirit. Help us to follow His leading in every part of our lives. Cause us to be always mindful of where our thoughts, words and deeds are leading us. Let us not become conceited, or provoke one another, or be jealous of one another. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen