Carnal Thinking

By Pastor Eric

We are living in a time when it’s perceived that every decision is based purely on emotion. This is promoted by the world and has no place on our lives as believers. Advertising, social media, news media, entertainment are all geared toward emotions and feelings. Pleasure and self-indulgence have taken priority over. It’s all about how you feel, how you look, how others see you, etc.

This is worldly, flesh, carnal thinking. The way of the world is self-centeredness and that is opposite of and in direct conflict with the spirit-man. I’m not saying we have to live somber, boring lives, we just need to adjust our thinking.

Romans 8:5-7 (AMP)  “5 For those who are living according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh [which gratify the body], but those who are living according to the Spirit, [set their minds on] the things of the Spirit [His will and purpose].6 Now the mind of the flesh is death [both now and forever—because it pursues sin]; but the mind of the Spirit is life and peace [the spiritual well-being that comes from walking with God—both now and forever]; 7 the mind of the flesh [with its sinful pursuits] is actively hostile to God. It does not submit itself to God’s law, since it cannot,…”  

When you continue on to verse 9 and 10, it says, “However, you are not [living] in the flesh [controlled by the sinful nature] but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God lives in you [directing and guiding you]. But if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him [and is not a child of God].  If Christ lives in you, though your [natural] body is dead because of sin, your spirit is alive because of righteousness [which He has provides].” 
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This is where we need to see ourselves. Though our flesh has its own desires and cravings, that’s not who we are. We have been made righteous in Christ and not like the world. Don’t allow the world, your flesh, or carnality dictate your decision making.