Carnal Mind

 

Let us consider how the human mind conforms our thinking about God:

Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death. For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do: by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and to deal with sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, so that the just requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. To set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. For this reason the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law—indeed, it cannot, and those who are in the flesh cannot please God.   (Romans 8:1-8)

Without any input from the Holy Spirit, the human mind is carnal. It does not understand God, nor can it do so. In fact, it is hostile to God. The Apostle Paul writes:

Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of the mind, so that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect.   (Romans 12:2)

We need a radical change in our minds to know God. God has provided that for us when we turn our hearts to him. How, then, do we live? That depends on how we inform our minds. Do we listen to the voices of this world, or do we listen to the voice and words of God:

Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, “If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.”   (John 8:31-32)

The world is full of lies. It is ruled by the father of lies, Satan. No amount of intelligence and education will keep our minds on track to the truth. Only the Word of God will lead us to the truth. Jesus prayed to the Father for his disciples:

Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.   (John 17:17)