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.
Romans 8:5–8

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Spiritual life boils down to one question: “Where do you want to go?” This is oversimplified, but why overcomplicate things? Jesus is renowned for asking two similar questions: “What do you want?” (John 1:38) and “What do you want me to do for you?” (Matthew 20:32, Mark 10:51, Luke.18:41). Curious followers need to answer this question, and so do people who are desperate for restored sight. At the heart of it, anyone who wants to be close to God can be. And anyone who doesn’t isn’t forced to. You and I have a choice to make and a course to take, and our mindset makes a big difference.

Romans 8:5–8 talks about the mind five times. When God’s Word repeats something that frequently, pay attention. Ultimately, people who want to please God live differently from those who don’t, and it stems from the way they think. The first group knows where they want to go: closer and closer to God. The second group may not declare their endgame, but it’s obvious—further and further from God. Their mind sets the course that their heart wants to follow.

I don’t need to illustrate or convince you that a mind focused on experiencing freedom is nothing like a mind bent toward destruction. Romans 8:6 states it bluntly: “The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.” If you want to figure out where a person wants to go or what they want, notice how they show up in the world. Their spiritual mindset will be revealed by how they live—and so will yours and mine.

Today, the same as every day, you and I have a spiritually profound question to answer: “Where do I want to go in relationship with God?” Do I want to walk with Him by following Jesus, or is my mind set in the opposite direction? And if I want a deeper relationship with the heavenly Father, what do I need to do to strengthen that connection? Our best next step toward godliness may look different, but the focus of our intentions will be the same.

Next Steps

Before you head into the weekend, ask yourself, “Where do I want to go in my relationship with God?” Reflect on what you really want and write down one step you will take to get closer, not further, from Him. Here are a few ideas:

• Step away to talk with God while watching a sunrise or sunset.
• Participate in a Sunday worship service on your own or with a group.
• Go out for a meal with a friend and bring up today’s devotion.
• Be on the lookout and help someone who has a need.