Carnality VS Spirituality
Deepika Emmanuel Sagar
Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. Rom 8:5 NIV
The world promotes carnal living. Those who don’t follow the world are considered the ‘odd one out’ and are not encouraged for their thinking. There are carnal choices presented by the world and too often the flesh surrenders. In the name of culture, these choices take away peace and joy and are done for the sake of conforming to the world, so that ‘who thinks what’ becomes a major part of one’s decision making.
Living for the flesh prevents the freedom that comes from living in the Spirit. Carnal living brings bondage, and all who choose it cease to be free without realizing it. The flesh will constantly be striving to find joy. A spiritual person, on the other hand, remains joyful, knowing its strength is in the Spirit.
The flesh justifies itself and maintains a worldly outlook even as it attempts to find God. The sad part is, the approach is to change one’s self without God’s power. People try to correct bad habits on their own which only sprouts self -righteousness. People in bondage to the flesh do not recognize the freedom there is in the Spirit. This bondage can produce disgust, offense, ill feelings and other negativities. This is not life in any sense.
Those who realize what is Spiritual will always be found opposing carnality but will be misunderstood. Jesus was the most misunderstood person. He lived in the freedom of the Spirit. Pharisees were after Him because they couldn’t understand the concept of freedom taught by Him. They were bound to the Law and how to impose it, and blind to the power of the Spirit to set them free.
The Spirit defies the authority of flesh and establishes Truth. That’s freedom. Mankind’s flesh is so tuned to be in bondage that it fears to venture in the realm of freedom. Why? Again— for the sake of satisfying the flesh. People run behind materialism to get momentary joy in this bondage. Those who realize life in the Spirit rise up above materialism, for they have learned to receive from the Spirit.
Deepika lives in India with her husband and children. She seeks to make Jesus known. Contact