Our scripture this morning is Romans 8:5-8.
For those who live according to the flesh have their outlook shaped by the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit have their outlook shaped by the things of the Spirit. For the outlook of the flesh is death, but the outlook of the Spirit is life and peace, because the outlook of the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to the law of God, nor is it able to do so. Those who are in the flesh cannot please God.
Paul warns that if our minds are set on earthly things it will hinder our relationship with God and each other. He goes further, saying “the outlook of the flesh is death, but the outlook of the Spirit is life and peace”. If we accept the gift of God’s spirit, we can overcome the ways of the flesh with His help.
The free will God gave us allows us to make our own choices. God doesn’t want an enforced relationship, He wants us to choose Him out of love and gratitude. However, as Paul tells us “those who are in the flesh cannot please God”.
We must give up the selfish way of thinking and living, and replace it with the way of God’s spirit. This can only happen if we repent of our human ways and ask for His help. He is always ready to welcome us back and wash us clean!
Loving Lord, we are ashamed of our disobedience and want Your spirit to guide our lives. Bless us to be the bearers of the Good News everywhere. Amen.
