Romans 8:5-6 NKJV 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, the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
Romans 8:14 NKJV For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.
John 1:12-13 NKJV But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.
For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. The life that is referred to in verse 6 is the Greek "zoe" (sounds like zoh-ay) - which is translated "the God kind of life". Sounds like a good life, huh? (So, yeah, I'll expound more about zoe another day as it is in the name of this journal) It is the same word that is used in John 10:10 where Jesus says "the thief comes to steal, kill and destroy, but I have come that you might have life and that more abundantly".
So what is it to be spiritually minded? To think on those things that are of the spirit realm, ie the things of the Kingdom of God. Humor me and lets just say that carnal is the stuff you can see and spiritual is the stuff you can't see. The Bible talks about the seen and unseen in 2 Corinthians 4:18 - "So we don't look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever."
In doing some study, Vine's says that the Kingdom of God is the sphere in which, at any given time, His rule is acknowledged. In personal examination, I have spent a lot of time considering things that are temporary (not acknowledging His rulership and Kingdom). Things like - my job, household income, raising kids, being a good husband, keeping up the yard/house. I've let the concerns of being successful at these things take a primary place in my life. Yes, they are most definitely important to me, but the Bible says to seek FIRST the Kingdom of God. That verse continues and says all these THINGS will be added unto you. As in you will see God taking care of these things through His blessing.
So how does one go about considering the Kingdom of God - well, in John 3, Jesus says "Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God". So, good news, if you've acknowledged Jesus as Lord over your life you are capable. If not click the link below and pray with Riley to become a kingdom citizen.
As I consider the Kingdom of God and his plans and purposes, I am seeing my marriage strengthen, my relationship with my kids grow stronger, relationships with friends beginning and rebuilding, opportunities in my career and in business springing up. I believe God's promises and as I seek Him and His Kingdom, He surrounds me with ZOE life.
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