Thursday, May 8, 2025

The Life Of The Flesh vs.The Spirit


“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 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.”
Romans 8:5-8 NET

We come into this world as fragile beings, profoundly dependent on our physical bodies and acutely aware of our basic needs. A baby’s cry is not just a sound without meaning; it is a heartfelt communication—a plea for nourishment, comfort, or relief from the discomfort of a soiled diaper. From our very first moments, we find ourselves relying on the nurturing presence of others, as we lack the skills to care for ourselves. Unlike animals, which are born with instinctual faculties that guide them through a harsh and often unforgiving environment—finding food, recognizing danger, and instinctively forming protective bonds—we depend on the nurturing love of those around us, especially our mothers or caregivers, who provide not only essential sustenance but also a deep sense of safety and belonging.

Living according to the flesh does not mean our perspective is automatically flawed; rather, it signifies an incomplete outlook. Embedded within each of us is a profound yearning to connect with the vastness of the universe in impactful and meaningful ways. This intrinsic desire leads us to seek a relationship with the God of the cosmos, who seeks us out to reassure us that we are anything but insignificant. Instead, we are imbued with a unique purpose, intricately woven into a larger tapestry that transcends our immediate understanding. This grand design is what the Apostle Paul speaks of when he notes those who walk in the Spirit. These individuals possess an extraordinary sensitivity to the divine; they are not mere observers of life, caught up in the mundane, but are actively engaged in a spiritual dance. They move in cadence with the Spirit, their hearts attuned to divine whispers, allowing them to navigate their lives with intentional grace. In this heightened awareness, they discover beauty in the simplest moments, recognizing their vital role in the unfolding story of existence—a narrative rich with possibility, meaning, and interconnectedness.

Human existence is inherently tied to our physical nature—our flesh compels us with desires, habits, and the words we speak. This connection ultimately leads us to a profound reality: death. It is a stark conclusion, devoid of hope for redemption or justification. While we might find solace in believing that our good deeds and charitable works somehow grant us a lasting significance, the truth is that these efforts do not alter our fate. Once we pass from this world, we do so permanently, leaving behind the vibrant life we once knew, never to return.

Many philanthropists aspire to leave a lasting mark on the world by having their names etched onto buildings, hospitals, or charitable trusts, thinking these tributes will ensure their legacies endure long after they are gone. However, the sobering truth is that, regardless of these efforts, the only thing that truly follows us into the afterlife is obscurity—a reminder that in the grand tapestry of existence, our mortal achievements may fade, but the inevitability of our mortality remains unaltered.

Paul offers a profound exploration of the distinction between those who live according to the flesh and those who are led by the Spirit. Individuals who walk in the Spirit possess a deep understanding that this earthly existence is only a fragment of their eternal life; they recognize that their spiritual journey continues in a heavenly reality that transcends physical death. This eternal perspective is ignited the very moment they receive Jesus as their Savior, receiving liberation from the grip of sin, a burden symbolized by their “body of death.”

This acceptance sparks a transformative transaction in the believer’s mind: they are redeemed at an immeasurable cost—the very life of Jesus exchanged for theirs. It is as though they have discarded their filthy grave clothes and have been clothed instead in pure, radiant white garments, symbolizing their complete cleansing through the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross.

Those who walk according to the Spirit adopt a radically new mindset and perspective on life; the old self, steeped in sin and self-indulgence, has been crucified with Jesus on the cross, and in its place arises a vibrant new understanding. Once we prioritized our desires and placed ourselves at the center of our universe, we now turn our gaze to Jesus and behold the staggering significance of His sacrificial death and resurrection.

Through Jesus, we gain unparalleled access to our heavenly Father—access not earned by our own righteousness or effort but freely given because of who Jesus is and what He has accomplished. This fundamental truth reshapes our identity and purpose, empowering us to live lives marked by gratitude, love, and a commitment to serve others in His name. It’s a life transformed by grace, filled with the hope of eternity, and driven by a desire to reflect the character of Christ in every action.

Living in the Spirit is far more profound than simply seeking the blessings we can receive from God, such as salvation, forgiveness of sins, or the joy that comes from His presence. While these gifts are essential to our faith journey, the essence of our relationship with God encompasses much more. The true beauty of our salvation is not found in our attempts to earn it through ritualistic sacrifices offered by a priest, who serves as a mediator between us and God. Rather, it lies in the reality that Jesus Christ is the ultimate source of our hope and devotion, and Jesus, as our High Priest, is the perfect incarnation of God, fully divine yet fully human. He lived among us, endured our trials, and ultimately sacrificed Himself to redeem us from our sins. Through this incredible act of love, He restores our broken relationship with our Heavenly Father and invites us into a transformative experience of grace and mercy.

Therefore, our focus should not be on what we can gain from God, but on how we can serve Him with our lives. Our purpose is to glorify Him through our actions, for He is worthy to be honored, obeyed, and served. In this way, we embrace the fullness of our faith, recognizing that it is ultimately about His glory shining through us, not our own achievements or desires, for we have died to the flesh. It isn’t what we can get out of God but what God can get out of us. It is totally about His glory, not ours.

Stephen Barnett

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