For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.

Romans‬ ‭8‬:‭6

Got to love the directness of passages like this. Go this way: death. Go that way: life.

For as convoluted as a lot of the Bible can be, it’s a breath of fresh air to dive into straightforward verses. Despite the solemn nature of this directive, it’s pretty clear.

So what’s the issue we have with following it? If it’s so clear, why is it so hard to walk the line?

Set your mind on the Spirit for life and peace. Ok, I want life and I want peace. Tell me more about the Spirit and setting my mind on it.

I know how to set my mind on things; it almost happens automatically. It drifts. It wonders. It wanders. It fantasizes. It thinks and thinks and thinks.

It’s not super cooperative when it comes to being directed, though. This is a habit, a posture that will have to be trained.

Fixing my mind on the Spirit is an exercise with eternal consequence and immediate benefits. For me, dwelling on the Spirit happens as I read about it, as I pray toward it, as I urge my thoughts back to it through the day.

I am not good at this. I am still drawn to dwelling on petty little things. I am still drawn to thinking of myself much (most?) of the time.

Here, progress will need to be made. This is a journey away from fleeting obsession.

Luckily, the Spirit will help us if we are willing.

God, give me attentiveness to your Spirit.