Those who live as their human nature tells them to, have their minds controlled by what human nature wants. Those who live as the Spirit tells them to, have their minds controlled by what the Spirit wants.
Romans 8:5 GNT
In the last post, we explored the essential step of considering ourselves dead to sin and alive to God as a foundation for walking in the Spirit. This realization is critical because without understanding our death to sin and unbroken fellowship with God, walking in the Spirit becomes a distant, unattainable goal. In this next step, we’ll dive deeper into what it means to truly live walking in the Spirit.
To truly walk in the Spirit, as believers, we must set our minds on the things of the Spirit. Walking in the Spirit requires a shift in focus from worldly desires to the guidance and direction of the Holy Spirit. When we choose to live by the Spirit, we cultivate spiritual growth, peace, and righteousness. It’s a conscious, daily decision, and through this act of walking in the Spirit, we align ourselves with God’s will, leaving behind the desires of the flesh. This daily decision is what allows the Holy Spirit to work in us, guiding us toward righteousness and deeper fellowship with God.
Those who live according to their sinful nature are driven by selfish desires, materialism, and worldly pleasures. Their hearts and minds are controlled by their natural instincts, pulling them further from God. On the other hand, those who live according to the Spirit are led by the desires and direction of the Holy Spirit. Their focus is on righteousness, peace, and spiritual growth. They strive to follow God’s will, obey Christ’s teachings, and live lives that honour the Spirit.
As Colossians 3:2 (KJV) tells us, “Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.” This means we are to align our thoughts, desires, and actions with the will of the Holy Spirit. It takes a conscious effort to prioritise spiritual matters rather than allowing our old sinful nature to dominate our choices.
For instance, imagine a moment when you are tempted to gossip about a coworker to feel more accepted or important in a group. That desire to gossip stems from pride, jealousy, and a need for approval—clear manifestations of the “flesh.” However, the Holy Spirit might prompt you to resist that temptation. You might feel led to remain silent, pray for the coworker, or even defend the person. If you obey the Holy Spirit, you are “minding the things of the Spirit”. You would be seeking peace, love, and unity in the situation.
The difference in these responses comes down to the focus of your heart. Whether you’re obedient to your sinful nature or the Holy Spirit.
The story of the rich young ruler in Matthew 19:16-22 is another example. The young man came to Jesus, eager to know what he must do to inherit eternal life. Although he had kept all the commandments when Jesus asked him to sell his possessions and give to the poor. He left sorrowfully because of his attachment to his wealth. His attachment to material possessions showed that his heart was on the things of the flesh. Even though he desired eternal life, his love for wealth held him back from fully committing to Christ.
In contrast, Jesus was calling him to follow a path of surrender—abandoning earthly securities and fully trusting in God. The young man’s inability to make that sacrifice shows how a “fleshly” mindset can prevent us from truly walking in the Spirit.
Galatians 6:8 says, “For the one who sows to please the flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; but the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.” Here, Paul contrasts two paths: sowing to the flesh versus sowing to the Spirit. Sowing to the flesh means spending time and energy pursuing sinful or worldly desires. This will ultimately lead to corruption and death. In contrast, sowing to the Spirit means investing in spiritual growth and godliness, which leads to eternal life.
So, where is the focus of your mind? To walk in the Spirit, you must consistently mind the things of the Spirit. Every day, in every situation, believers face a choice: to follow the flesh or to follow the Spirit. Focusing on the things of the Spirit leads to peace, spiritual growth, and eternal life. On the other hand, focusing on the flesh results in corruption and separation from God.
In conclusion, walking in the Spirit begins with a conscious decision to focus on what pleases God. The mind that is set on the Spirit seeks righteousness, peace, and spiritual growth. As believers, we must daily choose to align our thoughts and actions with God’s will, leaving behind the desires of the flesh. When we sow to the Spirit, we reap eternal life, allowing God to guide us into a life of purpose and fulfilment. This journey begins with the simple yet powerful decision to focus on the Spirit and follow His lead.
Prayer Point: Lord help me to focus and set my mind on and follow the leading of the Spirit in everything and every day of my life.
