April 24
The Mind Set
on the Spirit
Romans 8:6
The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.
Daily Steps
The choice for a peaceful daily mindset is a fundamental choice about what will govern your thoughts. For a new believer, this verse presents two stark possibilities for your inner life: peace or distress. The key is in the direction of your focus.
The peace in this declaration comes from choosing the right governor:
The Flesh Leads to Death: The "mind governed by the flesh" means letting your natural, sinful, human instincts (fear, lust, anger, self-pity, bitterness) control your thoughts. This leads to death—spiritual emptiness, anxiety, and a feeling of separation from God.
The Spirit Leads to Peace: The "mind governed by the Spirit" means consciously focusing on things that align with the Holy Spirit: truth, love, joy, and the promises of God. This results in life and peace—a profound inner well-being and security that transcends circumstances.
Your daily peace is secured by the spiritual discipline of constantly redirecting your thoughts. If you find yourself losing peace, it is a spiritual warning sign that your mind has momentarily shifted from being governed by the Spirit to being governed by the flesh.
Reflective Question
If you look at your thoughts over the past hour, has your mind been governed by the flesh (worry, self-condemnation, resentment) or by the Spirit (God's truth, gratitude, hope)? How can you intentionally redirect one specific thought right now to invite life and peace?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I confess that my mind often drifts toward fear and the flesh, which steals my peace. I pray for the strength to actively choose Your way. Help me to keep my mind governed by the Spirit today, that I may experience the life and peace that You promise. May my inner voice reflect the truth of Your governing Spirit. Amen.
