The Spirit or the Flesh?

Life has a way of throwing a lot at us—both good and bad. So much of what we experience is out of our control, but how we respond to life’s ups and downs can either move us toward peace and purpose or drag us into stress and sorrow.

Thankfully, the Bible gives us clear guidance on how to live well. One of the most direct scriptures is found in Romans 8:6:

“For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.” (NKJV)

This verse may be short, but it holds a powerful key to living the kind of life God desires for us. It shows us that peace isn't random or accidental—it’s the result of a mindset that is aligned with God.

Let’s take a closer look at what this verse really means.

What Does It Mean to Be Carnally Minded?

The Greek word for “carnal” is sárx, which refers to the part of us driven by the senses—what we can see, hear, touch, taste, and smell. In religious settings, the term "carnal" is often used to describe someone who’s steeped in sin. But biblically, being carnally minded simply means living life based on what we experience with our natural senses.

For example, a carnally minded person might:

• Be easily offended by what others say.
• Judge people based on appearances.
• Prioritize physical comfort over spiritual truth.

According to Romans 8:6, this way of living leads to loss, regret, and ultimately, death—not just physical death, but a death of peace, joy, and purpose. When we make decisions based solely on what our senses tell us, we’re choosing a path that opposes God—and that path never leads to a good outcome.

What Does It Mean to Be Spiritually Minded?

In contrast, the Greek word for “spiritual” is pneûma, which is rooted in the nature of God—the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. To be spiritually minded means to align your thoughts with the character and wisdom of God.

This doesn’t come from logic or what’s visible around you. It’s a deeper knowing that comes from within. It’s the wisdom that the Holy Spirit imparts—helping you make decisions that may not always make sense to others, but are rooted in truth and guided by peace.

Your family, your coworkers, even the news may be urging you to go one direction, but the Spirit of God is quietly prompting you to go the other. And while your obedience may look foolish to some, it will never lead you astray—because God loves you deeply and wants you to live a life that is secure, peaceful, and blessed.

A Higher Way of Living

Living by the flesh is easy—it comes naturally. But God is inviting you to something higher. He’s offering a better way: a spiritually guided life that leads to joy, peace, and purpose. It’s not the most traveled road, but it’s the one that leads to the life your heart truly longs for.

God is calling you to shift your mindset. To stop living by what you see, and start living by what He says.

He’s calling you to the Happy Joy Life—will you follow?