Set April 6, 2016

 6 For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.
Romans 8:6 ESV

Too often the obedience part of my Christian walk in service activities end when I begin the activity.  My "set mind" is more set on getting to the activity rather than focusing on Christ during the activity.

Each week I spend Sunday evenings as a volunteer at at homeless gathering place.  We serve a light snack, engage in conversation, and provide a safe, comfortable space for our homeless friends for a part of the evening.  But today's verse helped me realize that my focus during the time there is engaging in conversation, serving coffee, and listening, but not sharing the Gospel message.  I have slipped into a mindset of physical obedience (showing up) and neglected the continual obedience (sharing the Gospel message).  

The thinking of many of the volunteers is that if we show up and are kind and loving, people will naturally be drawn to Christ.  The Holy Spirit will lead the homeless to engage us in those spiritual conversations that will open the door to sharing the Roman Road.  After several years working with the homeless and seeing many of the same faces, I can attest to the falseness of this mind set.

For me I have set my mind just on getting there.  I don't enter each evening praying for the courage and opportunity to share the Gospel message.  "Hey, God, at least I am showing up.  Shouldn't that be enough?"  It's certainly the necessary first step, but should not be last step.

My mind should be set on the Spirit throughout each evening.  Conversations should be turned to things of the Spirit.  Probing questions asked.  Prayers prayed.  Follow up conversations had over multiple weeks.