Romans 8:5 (NIV)

“Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.”

Reflection

Do you ever feel distant from God? This verse reminds us that where we set our minds—on the flesh or on the Spirit—shapes our closeness to Him.

What It Means

Living According to the Flesh

“The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.”

— Galatians 5:19-21 (NIV)

Living this way focuses on desires and behaviors that pull us away from God.

Living According to the Spirit

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.”

— Galatians 5:22-25 (NIV)

Living by the Spirit means allowing the Holy Spirit to produce these qualities in us.

Key Truths

• Focus shapes closeness. Setting your mind on the flesh separates you from God; setting it on the Spirit draws you near.

• Actions position the heart. What you do either opens you to receive more from God or closes you off.

• Grace is always available. When you fail, God is fully willing to forgive—but repentance is essential.

Application

Offer your life to God. Sacrifice fleshly desires and choose daily to walk in step with the Spirit, displaying the fruit He provides.

Prayer

Thank You, Lord, for all You have done. I need You and the guidance of Your Spirit to help me repent and turn from my fleshly desires. I love You and I praise You. Amen.