Romans 8:1-8

We live in a world of possibilities.  Where there are possibilities there are choices.  According to Paul, we live in one of two possible realms; there is a realm of flesh and a realm of spirit.

Theologians have written many books about the differences between these two realms.  To simplify it, the realm of flesh is concerned with things of the world; things like physical pleasure, wealth and money, power and control, fame and prestige, land and possessions and all the many other things the world considers important.  The realm of flesh takes no consideration of God or righteousness.

The realm of the spirit is where Christians choose to live.  It is a kingdom ruled by the Spirit of God and righteousness.  The realm of the spirit is concerned with spiritual matters; things like loving relationships, mercy and grace, helping the helpless, doing what is right, compassion and empathy, bringing hope to the hopeless and bringing the dead to life.

Christians physically live in the world of the flesh; however, they are to be in the world but not of the world.  It is natural to assume that our hearts and our feelings determine which realm we live in; that assumption is wrong.  Our feelings are often uncontrollable; fortunately, our feelings do not determine our lives.  Our minds determine our existence.  What we think upon, what we read, what we watch, what we talk and think about determines the course of our lives.  Those living according to the flesh set their minds upon what the flesh desires.  They fantasize, plan and dwell upon worldly matters.  Those who live according to the spirit set their minds upon what the spirit desires.  They think about ways and means to carry out God’s work among the poor and needy.  They think about ways to share the gospel in an effective fashion.  They study God’s word and seek understanding of his will.  As Christians, we control our minds, and when we set them upon spiritual things, we move into the realm of the spirit.