Romans 8:5-8 Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace; the sinful mind is hostile to God. It does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot please God.

This is a long section to write on, but it is so clear and so logically connected that I want to consider it as a whole. The NIV makes it harder to understand by trying to be politically correct, changing “flesh” to “sinful nature.” Our bodies are not evil in themselves, but they are essentially animals. You should take good care of your dog, but you don’t let your dog decide how you live! Reading this passage, the “sexual revolution” that has taken over culture for the past 50 years comes into very sharp focus. Sex is a beautiful and powerful gift from God, not just for procreation but for the bonding of husband and wife into one. However, if we respond to it like animals in heat, which is a pretty accurate description of “progressive” morality, we lose more than we imagine. God desires good for us, but as this passage says, when we let our flesh be in control, we are in rebellion against God and are rejecting His blessings, and the end result is not just physical death, but eternal death. You can’t get any worse than that! As Paul says here, fixing our minds and hearts on the Holy Spirit and letting Him be in control brings life and peace, and we could all use more of that. Letting our flesh be in control is really throwing everything away.

I’ve certainly had times of giving the flesh the upper hand, and it has never turned out well. By God’s grace I am learning more and more how to walk in the Spirit, and it is indeed life and peace. I am at times flabbergasted, as well as saddened, to see how thoroughly so much of society is actively rejecting Biblical morality in almost every area. I’ve got to remember that God is still God, and keep leading people into a personal relationship with God in Christ by His Spirit. I can’t wave a hand and “fix” society, but I can strive not to be polluted by it, and I can be salt and light in all that I touch. I am to take comfort in Jesus’ statement that I am no more of the world than He was while He was here, (John 17:16) and I am to live as His agent in all things, for His glory.

Father, thank You for telling me so clearly that You are no more happy with the current state of things than I am. Help me remember that, as I remember that You are indeed going to make everything right in Your time. Even as I long for Christ’s return, at the same time I want a little more time to bring more people into Your kingdom before it’s too late! Help me be consistent in speaking the truth in love to everyone at all times, so that they may be set free to repent and believe, for their salvation and Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!