Minds set on…

Romans 8:5 - For those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit have their minds set on the things of the Spirit (CSB).

What we allow to enter our minds, and what we dwell on, has a drastic effect on our spiritual lives. It is not just our physical actions that can be sinful, but even the thoughts and intents of our minds. 

Galatians 5:19-21 - Now the works of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, moral impurity, promiscuity, idolatry, sorcery, hatreds, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambitions, dissensions, factions, envy, drunkenness, carousing, and anything similar. I am warning you about these things—as I warned you before—that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

If we allow ourselves to dwell on these things, it won’t be long before our flesh follows. We see marriages destroyed by this very thing. We’ve invited other people or things into the intimacy that is meant only for our spouse. We’ve let our minds wander, thinking what life may be like with another person. We’ve let our minds wander, thinking what life may be like if our spouse only looked like this person. And when the intimacy between us is gone, we’re surprised. We shouldn’t be. 

Intimacy isn’t a group project. 

We do the same thing with God. We have let our minds wander into sexual immorality, moral impurity, promiscuity, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambitions, dissensions, factions, envy, drunkenness, carousing, and we have no intimacy with God. 

Why? Because we’ve let everything else into a sacred space where none of it belongs. 

Protect, with all of your heart, mind, and strength… the holiness of your relationships with others and your relationship with God. 

 Pastor Brandon