by Victor Eskew
Each one of us is a fleshly being. Most of the things that we do each day are very secular in nature. The people we come into contact with are often very worldly. The entertainment venues that we enjoy rarely have anything to do with things that are eternal. When we have free time, we do not engage in spiritual things. We are caught up in the things of this world.
So, how do Christians become spiritual people?
Paul tells us. We must mind the things of the Spirit. “For they that are of the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit, the things of the Spirit” (Rom. 8:5).
The things of the Spirit are the matters addressed by the Spirit in the Word of God. These are the things that must capture our attention. These are the things that ought to involve our time, talents, treasures, and energy.
To do it, we must rise above the world. The things of the world just cannot occupy center stage in our lives any more. Instead of being addicted to the carnal, we have to become addicted to the ministry (I Cor. 16:15).
Some will ask: “Vic, are you asking us to sacrifice, that is, give up, some of the enjoyable things that consume our time?” The answer is a bold: “Yes!” Life is very short. There are multitudes and multitudes of people who are lost. Sin is running rampant. Satan is having a field day. The focus of so many people involves entertainment, even for those who are “religious.’ We live in a world consumed by self. False religions are deceiving the masses. The enemies of God are not in hiding any more. They are boldly on the march. Jesus is coming again. There will be a Day of Judgment in which all men will be involved. These things call for spiritual people to rise up and mind the things of the Spirit.
As we close, let’s give heed to Paul once again. He writes: “For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God” (Rom. 8:6-8).
