The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.
The Apostle Paul often uses the word “flesh” as a metaphor for the sinful spiritual state of human beings. In other words, he often uses a word that usually refers to something physical as a metaphor for something spiritual. “Flesh,” in this sense of the term, applies to human beings in so far as they are spiritually dominated and directed by the weakness of their sinful spiritual nature. To be fleshly, then, means that one is sinful. Even more, to be fleshly means that one is too weak and miserable to do what is right and good.
The mind governed by the flesh, Paul tells us, is death. This means that the mind of a person that is spiritually dominated and directed by their sin is leading that person down a pathway that leads to death. It is a pathway that leads to death and destruction in the now and eternal death in the life hereafter. Paul goes on to say, “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.” (Romans 8:7).
The mind governed by the Spirit, on the other hand, is life and peace. This means that the mind of a person, spiritually dominated and directed by the Holy Spirit, is leading a pathway to life and peace. It is a pathway that leads to life and peace now and in the life to come. Instead of a mind that leads one nowhere and accomplishes nothing worthwhile, it is a mind that flourishes and accomplishes things that have eternal value and significance.
How can you transition from the death and destruction of the flesh to the life and peace of the Holy Spirit? There is only one way. You must believe in the Lord Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. You will receive the Holy Spirit, and the power of the Spirit will set you free from the power of your fleshly sin nature. (Romans 8:1-4).
The flesh may still cause problems, but the power of the Spirit will move you to become a powerful force for good in the world.
