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Romans 8:6 states, “The mind governed by the flesh leads to death, but the mind governed by the Spirit leads to life and peace.” This verse highlights the importance of having a spiritual mindset rather than being driven by worldly desires, pointing out the positive outcomes of the former, which are life and peace. Being spiritually minded entails focusing on spiritual matters and nurturing spiritual aspirations instead of worldly ones. While the natural man lives solely to fulfill his desires, the spiritual Christian lives to honor the Spirit. Let’s delve into what it means to possess a spiritual mindset in practical terms:
1. Living for the gospel. The term “spiritual” is often used vaguely, but for Christians, spiritual living centers around the gospel. The Holy Spirit resides in us, bringing forth a new life when we put our faith in Christ and His redemptive work for our sins “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”, (2 Corinthians 5:17). Beyond believing in the gospel, spiritually minded Christians bear witness to it through both their words and actions. They proclaim the message and ensure that their behavior aligns with their beliefs “Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel”, (Philippians 1:27). The gospel is not elementary teaching to move past; rather, we grow alongside the gospel.
2. Manifesting the fruit of the Spirit. The fruit of the Spirit symbolizes the character traits that the Holy Spirit develops in those who submit to His influence and will. These traits include “love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23). Spiritually minded Christians strive to display this fruit in their lives by aligning themselves with the desires of the Spirit.
3. Feeding on the Word. Spiritually minded Christians recognize the renewal that comes from reading, studying, and meditating on Scripture «And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. », (Romans 12:2). The Bible is God’s special revelation to mankind, demonstrating who God is and what He expects from His children. Therefore, feeding on the Word should be a delight rather than a chore. Sound teachers are also helpful, and we can benefit from appropriate spiritual resources.
4. Praying. In addition to delving into Scripture, spiritually minded Christians also commune with God in prayer. They pray to fellowship with the Father, acknowledge their dependence on Him, and present their requests while submitting to His will. They also seek grace to live by the Spirit, recognizing that it is God who enables them to fulfill His good purpose «For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. », (Philippians 2:13).
5. Fellowshipping with other believers. Recognizing the positive value of peer pressure, spiritually minded Christians prioritize the gathering of the saints. In the local church, struggling believers find resources, and backslidden souls can reignite their zeal. Christians are not called to be lone wolves but to remain in the “pack” with other committed believers. Proverbs 27:17’s analogy of iron sharpening iron highlights the beauty of fellowship. In the cIn the church, there is growth, forgiveness, love, grace, and motivation for godliness.
6. A fresh perspective on suffering. Suffering is unavoidable in a broken world, but spiritually minded Christians discover purpose through life’s trials and pains. As Paul declared, “Not only that, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us” (Romans 5:3-5). Suffering may arise from loss, sickness, struggles with sinful desires, or persecution. Regardless, it is a refining process with ultimate significance. We are also assured of comfort in difficult times (2 Corinthians 1:3-4).
7. Intimacy with God. Like a devoted spouse in a healthy marriage, spiritually minded Christians nurture intimacy with God. This involves worship, prayer, studying the Word, fellowship with other Christians, walking in the Spirit, and living a godly life. Those who walk by the Spirit recognize that they have a relationship with the Father that transforms everything. They demonstrate their love for Him by obeying His commands and upholding His principles. Intimacy with God is evidenced by the presence of the Spirit and our unity with Christ, which shapes our identity, attitudes, and perspectives.
Overall, spiritually minded Christians are centered on the gospel, productive, knowledgeable of the Bible, prayerful, engaged in a local church, and possess a renewed outlook on life.
