This may be one of my favorite weeks in the Then Came Jesus study because we get to see “the rest of the story.” We get to see the why that fuels our celebration of Jesus’ birth. We rejoice on Christmas morning because we remember that our Redeemer, our Savior, our Healer, our Victor has come.
Today (Week 4, Day 1) in the study, we look at the power of the thought life. Not in a worldly, positive-thinking-changes-lives way. But in a spiritual life-or-death way. Every second of every day, in Christ, we get a choice as to where we set our minds. We can set our minds on things of this world, resulting in death of soul. Or we can set our minds on things of the Spirit, resulting in life and peace. (see Romans 8) I vacillate between both, all day every day.
Our family is in our new-to-us house, which I’ve mentioned 84 times. But our home was built in the 60’s and has the wallpaper and floor plan to prove it. Which means lots and lots o’ projects for my very handy husband. Bless his heart. Since our move, I’ve noticed that the pull towards thinking about earthly things has been strong — like a deep, dark vortex — simply because there are so many earthly things that need attention. Like doors falling off the track and hitting me in the face or wiring that could cause our house to burn to the ground. You know. Stuff.
But even in the face of earthly demands, we get choice. By the power of His Spirit within us, we get to choose where we set our minds. We get to choose to think on things that bring life and peace or things that bring stress and strife and strain. Deep. Breath.
“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
Whether it’s house stuff or relationship trials or health concerns or choking sorrow, we still get choice. We get to choose to turn our minds onto the God who sees and cares and ever-moves in our lives according to His good will. The same God who sent Jesus 2000 years ago to drink the cup of wrath we deserve. We get the choice to think on Him.
It’s a battle — purposefully remembering our Lord and His immeasurable love. But it’s a battle we’re equipped to fight in the power of His Spirit. May this week be marked with life and peace as we turn our minds onto Him — the author and perfector of our faith.
Merry Christmas, from our family to yours!
Fill me, Lord…
How have you seen this battle between Spirit and flesh in your own life? (question from the study on page 54)
Yes, every hour of everyday. I don’t notice it as much with things, but more so with relationships. I get so frustrated, I guess because I know how things are “supposed” to be and if people would just act the way they are “supposed” to, everything will be simpler for everyone, and I wouldn’t have to be frustrated. Flesh. Flesh. Flesh. I need to back off and trust that the Spirit is working on those people and that His timeline and plan is perfect. I have to remember that broken people act in broken ways, myself being the best at it.