Romans 8:5 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 mindset of a soulish person will cling to carnal, tangible and perishable things, but the mindset of those led by the Spirit will be spiritual, intangible and on imperishable treasures. Materialism is the greatest evil of the world today. Idolatry has taken a new shape and form as ‘materialism’. Money comes after those who follow righteousness. Money is only a tool, it must never become a driver. The sole purpose of a soulish person is around material possessions and positions. Materialism is a tendency to consider material possessions and physical comfort as more important than spiritual values. It is a philosophical mental state or belief that nothing exists beyond the physical world. Fear accompanies materialism. A soulish person who is steeped in materialism is always fearful of the future, recession or their possessions.
On the contrary, those who live according to the Spirit or who are led by the Holy Spirit have the focus on what the Holy Spirit desires for their life. This does not mean that they live recklessly. A spiritual man is still a good steward of the money. Integrity, righteousness and virtue stand way above money and material possessions. Volkswagen (VW) paid over $20 billion in fines and legal settlements related to its diesel emissions cheating. VW cars had a “defeat device” – or software – in diesel engines that could detect when they were being tested, changing the performance accordingly to improve results. The ‘diesel dupe’ destroyed the reputation of the thriving corporation. VW ended up paying a fine many times more than the illegitimate profit that they made. Those who are driven by materialism run after money but money runs after those who are led by the Holy Spirit.
Distinction between a soulish and a spiritual man:
1. Acceptance: A soulish man is driven by the acceptance of people whereas a spiritual man is not affected by the rejection of people. Those who are led by the spirit will do, say and live to be accepted by God. I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God (Romans 12:1). Rightness with God will automatically position us as righteous before man.
2. Attracts: A soulish man is obsessed with his material possession whereas a spiritual man is attracted to God’s plan and His purpose. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things (Colossian 3:2). The meditation of our mind is the indicator if we are carnal or spiritual beings.
3. Astute: A soulish man is anxious about the temporary that will soon pass away but a spiritual man is astute/alert to accumulate wealth that cannot be destroyed. “Your prayers and gifts to the poor have come up as a memorial offering before God (Acts 10:4). Be astute, not anxious.
We are born as soulish beings but surrendering our soulish desire to the Holy Spirit transforms us into spiritual humans.
Matthew 6:20 “Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, teach me to uproot the soulish desires and live a life worthy in your sight. Amen
…..Know Yourself series to be continued on 30.12.2022
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