“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. The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God.”

You flirted with that coworker, but at least you’re not King David. He stole another man’s wife and then killed that man. You broke curfew, but at least you’re not Eve. Her disobedience cost humanity its innocence. You betrayed a friend, talked about her behind her back. But at least you’re not Judas, betraying Christ for blood money.

Certainly, breaking the speed limit is not the same as committing murder, but the heart of the matter is the same: sin separates us from God. Paul refers to our sin nature as “the flesh,” and in Romans 8:7, he writes, “the mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God.” In other words, the mind governed by sin is hostile to God. “Hostile” might seem dramatic, yet for some, it is truly hostility - raging hatred toward the way of Jesus. Others’ minds are hostile simply because they are not in communion with God (Matt. 12:30)  

Many find this truth offensive because most people are generally good. They are faithful spouses. They love their neighbors, abide by the rules, nurture friendships. Hostile to God? What an attack! “And what about you?” they say.  “You follow Jesus, but your language gets salty when you’re angry. You follow Jesus, but you gossip about others on your lunch break.”

Remember, in chapter seven of Romans, Paul addresses the peculiar tension in which all believers exist. We are a redeemed people still living in flesh and bone. We struggle daily with our sin natures, but through Jesus we are victorious over the fruit of sin, which is death. Now governed by the Spirit, our minds are “life and peace” (Romans 8:6). This Good News is truly incredible news! And it can be true for our non-believing friends and family members, too.

For “if you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved,” (Romans 10:9). Saved, redeemed, no longer separated but in communion with God. Governed by his Holy Spirit with a mind of life and peace.

Lord Jesus, thank you for your sacrifice, for your blood which makes us whiter than snow so we can be in communion with God our Father. Thank you that by the power of your Holy Spirit we can have minds redeemed, fixed on you, brimming with life and sheltered by your peace. Make our spirits sensitive to yours and give us the words to speak your truth, especially when it comes to talking about sin and how it separates us from you. We love you, and it’s in your name, Jesus, we pray. Amen.