Are You Carnal or Spiritual?
by Tonja Taylor We want to be like Jesus, Who is the Holy Spirit of God, Who is perfect in all His ways. It is a continual cleansing process, but here are a couple of ways to test yourself; to see if your decision is carnal ("the flesh"--from the mind/will/emotions), or spiritual (directed by God). Romans 8:1-2 talk about how, as Believers, we are not the condemned--and should never feel that way, because the blood of Jesus broke the power of condemnation off our lives. So the glorious truth is that we are not condemned! We are righteous, through the covering of the holy blood of God through Christ! Hallelujah! However, when we get out of the love walk (the Spirit), and act carnally ("in the flesh" doing the works of the flesh (see Romans 1:29 and others), we can feel condemned. Romans 8:1-2 state: Therefore, [there is] now no condemnation (no adjudging guilty of wrong) for those who are in Christ Jesus, who live [and] walk not after the dictates of the flesh, but after the dictates of the Spirit. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life [which is] in Christ Jesus [the law of our new being] has freed me from the law of sin and of death. The LORD prompted me to write this article, because He's shown me, even today, how I've made decisions that were carnal. Here are a couple of examples from my life, and you can see how they line up with yours: (1) A few years ago, I got up at 4:30 a.m. to work a Christmas job for a few extra dollars. Did I do that later--even when the LORD said, "If you can do it for HD (initials of the company), then you can do it for Me."--to get up and seek my awesome God Who loves and died for me and gives me every good gift? No, because I was being carnal! Yuck on me! Daddy God is not negatively legalistic, nor religious, nor demanding toward us His kids! His mercy precedes His judgment, or I'd be toast in hell long ago! He loves me sooooo much--and you too! Here's another example: I've recently applied for more tutoring jobs, and decided I'd be willing to tutor for a few bucks, but when the job didn't work out, or I changed my mind, have I dedicated the same time to praying and worshiping and reading the Word? No, because I've been carnally minded! More yuck! Here's a third example: I've wanted more seed to sow at church to missions. Today, I spent a few dollars I'd first decided to sow, then forgot. Why? Because I was carnally-minded. Still more yuck! God is not mad at me, and I forgive myself. But the sweet Spirit revealed these to me, and I want to change. I want my Spirit to have control, and to desire the things of the Spirit more. He will help me! He will help you, too. God is a good Daddy and enjoys us enjoying blessings. Also, these are strange and potentially perilous (for the unbelievers, especially) times, and we must be about our Father's business. As for me, I'm asking the LORD to help me overcome these weaknesses and be a better soldier. I know He will be faithful to help me! He will help you too! Hallelujah! Through books, courses, presentations, service, prayer, worship, and more, Tonja and her husband live to exalt God. Her series for girls, P.O.W.E.R. GIRL ADVENTURES, is now out (books I-V), along with LEGACY; YOUR HOLY HEALTH: VISIONS OF THE KING, and more. See the "River Rain Creative" YT channel. Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com |
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