“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. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.” (Romans 8:5,6)
How do we look at the events in our life? Without God’s perspective, situations that can be borne become intolerable. Unless we are savoring the things that are of God, a cross cannot be endured. We cannot and will not stand in an evil day. While the Spirit of Christ dwells in every believer, the mind of Christ must be actively sought and found in a myriad of ways. Our Shepherd leads us in paths of righteousness by the leading of His Spirit. Our duty is to heed the voice of the Holy Spirit.
Minding the things of the Spirit means having a perspective shaped by the Holy Spirit. He enables us to see past the present suffering to the glory that will follow, if we are faithful. He uses the present fire to form in us the very mindset and response of Christ. He strengthens us to “bear all things, believe all things, hope all things, endure all things.” Through Him we do not faint, our love does not fail, and we become better, not bitter, through situations which would otherwise destroy us.
Of Christ we read: “Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth; I have put my spirit upon him …” (Isa. 42:1) God is well able to uphold every one of His servants in the most trying seasons and situations they face, if they are tuning in to what His Spirit would teach them.
Will the situation change? No, it may get worse. Will the season end? No, it may continue. But what will change is the way we see things, and the way we respond. We will gain a godliness that is especially produced through suffering. We will be on the road toward real change and transformation into the likeness of Christ. And instead of agony of soul, and a fainting heart, there will be the joy of the Lord, and a supernatural strength and peace that His Spirit gives to those who are being led by Him.