2021-08-10 Carnal Versus Spiritual Mind [Taken From A Previous Note]

Psalms 4:6  “There be many that say, Who will shew us any good? LORD, lift thou up the light of thy countenance upon us.

In this passage we see a vivid contrast between the carnal mind and the spiritual mind.  The carnal mind says, “Who will shew us any good?”.  The spiritual mind says, “LORD, lift thou up the light of thy countenance upon us.”.  The carnal mind is focused upon help and benefits from material things, personal knowledge and strength, recognition and favors from others, social position, and even selfish personal benefit at the expense of others.  When all the human schemes and devices fail to help, the carnal mind casts about in despair, mourning and crying, “Who will shew us any good?”!  But, the spiritual mind is focused upon the “LORD” to worship Him, to obtain wisdom from Him, to please Him, and to seek help from Him.  The spiritual mind knows that the Lord is our only hope of Eternal Life, and it joyfully depends upon Him for the necessary blessings for this present life.  The Children of God have both minds in them.  The challenge to us is to, by our God-given faith (Hebrews 12:2), follow our spiritual mind while keeping our carnal mind under control.  At its best, this world is not Paradise!  Dreadful things have plagued the lives of God’s Children ever since Genesis Chapter Three, and bad things will continue their assault upon us until the Lord calls an end to it on the Last Day of this world.  But, even in the very midst of our tribulations, the spiritual mind finds peace, comfort, and joy in our Lord.  When the fires of tribulation are burning in our lives and it seems that all hope and joy is gone; hear these words, “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.” (Isaiah 26:3) and listen as our loving savior calls to us, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28).  Right now, let us not give in to fear and despair, but let us suppress the deceit of our carnal mind and spend our time “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:2) and “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.” (I Peter 5:7)!