Our state has a governor, not unlike any other state in the Unite States. He is like the president of our state and at the state level makes decisions that specifically impact the people of his state. We have heard a lot of news about federal government overriding state government in an effort to take control of the specific state's rights. This takeover has been met with the state's fighting back for their individual rights to make decisions. The states want to be united with the other states to keep our federal system strong, but must also keep in mind the residents needs and wants at the state level. In Romans 8:5-8 Paul is explaining the state of mind we need to have as believers. That state of mind deals with whether we are going to allow the flesh or the Spirit to have control of our lives. He says in verse 6 "the mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace." Who is the governor of your life or your state of mind? In other words, are you following and being governed by the flesh or by the Spirit?
Two choices are shown and you need to look closely at each candidate before voting. Here is the flesh campaign stand - DEATH
Here is the Spirit's campaign stand - LIFE AND PEACE
If you are voting on who to elect to lead your life, who will it be? It had better be the Spirit or you will have a very short life span. You may say, "But I'm a Christian. Of course, I will choose the Spirit!" Then what is the effect that choice is having on your life. Are you living as though the Spirit were guiding you? If not, you may have unconsciously, or consciously voted for the flesh. Bad choice.... In verse 13 Paul says, "if we have chosen the Spirit, then we put to death the misdeeds of the flesh." So, you say Spirit? Your life should show that you are putting away the ways of the flesh. Walk away from the ways of the flesh and start walking "in the Spirit." Here is a very important thing to remember. If you are allowing the Spirit to govern your life then your state of mind directly affects the overall country of Christians. You setting a standard of Spirit-led living will cause conflict at times and affect the whole community of believers and keep them on track as well. The country represents the evangelical community (country) at large, or the church. On the other hand, if you continue to choose the flesh state of mind that will also affect the church as well. You can see the trickle down effect your decision has on the whole picture. Paul knew this well, so his word to the church at Rome actually was a word to us all. Here's the word. Live by the Spirit, not by the flesh!!
So I have to ask you this question. Who is the governor of your state of mind, the Spirit or the flesh? Your answer should be the Spirit. If that is not your answer then you will be sorely disappointed by the one you have elected to control your life.
The Greeks had a race in their Olympic games that was unique. The winner was not the runner who finished first. It was the runner who finished with his torch still lit. I want to run all the way with the flame of my torch still lit for Him.
We can only finish the race with our torch still lit by allowing the Spirit to govern our life.
The Pilgrimage continues....
David Warren
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