Hope: As It Is in Heaven, So Be It on EarthSample

Welcome to the third week of our daily devotions, where we dive into our theme: Hope. Our scripture for this week is Romans 8:5-16, and today we begin with verses 5-6.

“For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. To set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.”

Allow me to share a story about Jim, a missionary worker who, in between two missionary trips, was looking for a job. Initially feeling uneasy about working secularly, he realized the true issue was his double standards. While planning mission trips, he diligently prayed for guidance. However, in the pursuit of a secular job, he neglected prayer. Jim started praying and got a job in a factory. His work was to box-ordered products and take them to the dispensary. After working for a week, he once again sensed that he was doing something wrong. While arguing with God, Jim realized that he was still practicing double standards. During mission trips, he used to pray daily about his work, seeking God's guidance and specifically asking for the Spirit to fill him, lead him, and use him. However, in his current "secular job," he hadn't even prayed about his work.

Jim deeply repented and began praying about his seemingly mundane job. He later shared with us that one of the things that happened was that every morning while praying about his job, the Holy Spirit would give him a song for the day.

Long story short: One day, the CEO of the company, who had multiple factories all over the country, was on a routine visit, and when he walked past Jim, he said, “Good morning. How are you?” Jim, now working with a different attitude, answered, “I'm doing well, sir. And how are you?” His answer caught the CEO off guard. He sat himself down beside Jim and started sharing some of the struggles the company was having. This is how Jim became a trusted friend and a source of hope and encouragement for this CEO.

As we transition this week to the practical aspects of living a life of beholding the King and representing His kingdom, we will delve into the significance of the Holy Spirit. And for many of us, a deep repentance is also needed. When we read today's verses, to set our minds not on the flesh, but on the spirit, we might think Paul means we're not supposed to think about physical things, but spiritual things. This thinking invites double standards.

Tomorrow, we will explore what Paul specifically means by "flesh." For now, let's make it very clear: Physical aspects, including elements like family, work, and society, were created through the Spirit in the beginning. The Spirit now seeks to infuse life and peace in us, extending through us to all things. This is why we are called to align our thinking with the Spirit in all aspects of life.

Let’s pray: Father, thank you for the life and peace that you bring through Your Spirit. Help us identify and repent of any double standard living so that our minds may be set on the things of the Spirit. In Jesus’ name. Amen.