“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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