For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. Romans 8:5
Did you ever read about Huckleberry Finn, a prominent character in two of Mark Twain’s best-known novels? If so, you will recall how this homeless and apparently shiftless boy was taken in and given a home by the kindly and wealthy Widow Douglas. Instead of sleeping in a barrel, wearing cast-off clothes, and eating whatever he could find or steal, Huck finds himself in a warm and comfortable home with a beautiful bed, the best of clothes, and plenty of the best of food. For all his new comforts, Huck chafes under the rules, the starch, the routine, and the constant preaching and prodding of the widow’s sister, Miss Watson. So he runs off. His friend Tom Sawyer finds him back in the old barrel, smoking his pipe and wearing the old cast-offs that he had cast off when he went to live with the widow. Huck reminds us of the Christians in the first half of our text, doesn’t he?
Not every Christian is interested in allowing the Holy Spirit to instruct and lead them into a victorious life. Some Christians never lose their taste for the weak and beggarly elements of their former life. The term ‘mind’ refers to thinking about or dwelling on. And such Christians keep thinking about and wanting to participate in the activities and interests of their unsaved days. Instead of reading their Bibles, they fill their minds with the world’s pathetic excuse for literature and media. Instead of praying to their Lord, they play with the devil’s dainties and delights. Instead of finding their fellowship with other Christians, they maintain the relationships that they enjoyed in their former days. And the more they mind the things of the flesh, the less interest they have in the things of the Spirit.
Christians who mind the things of the Spirit develop healthy spiritual appetites and attitudes. They enter into rich spiritual blessings and qualify for rich spiritual rewards. Theirs is a life of fulfillment that leads to a likeness to their Lord and Saviour. Sadly, these are all denied to those who mind the things of the flesh. Their appetites and attitudes are destructive and unhealthy. Although they may temporarily find material gain, it eventually transforms itself into waste and loss.
How is it that some Christians drift back into minding the things of the flesh after they are saved? That is a difficult one to answer, and every Christian who goes that route is responsible for their tragic decision. But there is also a responsibility on those who mind the things of the spirit to take a loving and energetic interest in the weak and faltering ones. We can always pray for them. We can often encourage and help them in various ways. And, unlike Miss Watson, we can show our interest in thoughtful and considerate ways that the struggling Christians will be more likely to respond to in a positive way.
Christians who mind the things of the flesh are a pathetic sight. Let us ask the Lord what we can do to help them. – Jim MacIntosh