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. The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. Romans 8:5-6
anting to wash up a few dishes I turned the hot water on… and waited! Yes – I KNOW that there are ‘point of use’ water heaters available. No – I do not own one. But as I waited for the hot water I remembered that this is the 3rd hot water heater in this house since I bought it 30 years ago. The point is NOT the water heater, but where I live!
Katie and I have each moved 21 times in our lives. We counted! As kids, our parents drug us where THEY went. But we haven’t moved from THIS house in 30 years. I guess you could say we like it here! Moving NOW would only be expensive… and honestly… selfish. What would we gain? A new view or different layout?
The Bible clearly says that where we live in our mind is based upon what we ‘desire.’ And as humans we have 1 of 2 choices. We can live according to our flesh, or our spirit. It ALSO clearly points out the results of each choice. If in my mind I live according to my FLESH… I will get death! If my mind chooses the spirit…I get a two-fer! LIFE AND PEACE! Choices like that SHOULD be EASY! But where I live is … well… it is complicated.
It would be SO easy to blame Eve and Adam (SHE ate first) for our sinful nature. But CLEARLY… when I look at the evidence of my life, I have to conclude that had it been Eve and K.C…. I more than likely would have beaten her to the fruit! I KNOW… in ME… the flesh is STRONG! So logical, easy choices, like WHERE I live… aren’t!
One of my favorite sayings is by George Moore who said, “The difficulty in life is the choice.” I was tempted to add bigger letters and flamboyant punctuation to emphasize some of the words, but THAT is NOT how HE wrote it! Just like MY choice to live in the flesh is NOT how GOD designed me. In my mind… I am a rebel!
I have lived as a Believer in Jesus Christ, BY CHOICE, for over 51 years. But I have made ‘night raids’ into the dark on many occasions. One of the benefits of getting older is more experience. And, as is suggested, bad judgment is the teacher good judgment. I have LEARNED that living with and for Jesus Christ is SO much more lively and peaceful than the other way. So I am going to stick here in the spirit! No matter the temperature of the water. Where do YOU live?
