5 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.
Romans 8:5 ESV
In the Old Testament the Hebrew people were expected to obey 613 laws. This group of laws is called the Mitzvot. However, with Jesus death and resurrection, people are no longer required to uphold those 613 laws to be in right standing with God the Father. Through faith alone we can come to a saving relationship with Yahweh. However James discusses at length the importance of our faith being demonstrated through our works. So works are not disregarded as an important part of a Christian's life.
If works are an outward demonstration of a person's internal condition, what about those times when you just doesn't feel like doing the right thing or going so far as to intentionally sin, maybe even allowing a sinful habit to continue in your life? Ultimately God only knows the real condition of a person's heart, but today's verse is encouraging when you just can't seem to get your Christian life together.
For those times when we knowingly sin or continue to allow a sinful habit to perpetuate itself in our lives, do a conviction check. Is your mind set on things of the Spirit? Are we convicted when we sin or engage in that habit? Is there a desire to do better next time?
People are stubborn. We are stiff-necked, not wanting to bow or give up control. That does not mean our names are not written in the book of life. When we repeat that dirty joke, do our brains say, "You shouldn't have done that."? After a sarcastic retort to a spouse is there a tweak of conviction?
None among us will ever reach a state of sinless imperfection in this life. But are our minds set on the things of God? Our our spirits focused on pleasing Him? Are our missions each day to align our thoughts and actions more and more with God's will for our livs? "Set your mind on the things of the Spirit."
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