When we are saved, our spirits are transformed – all old things pass away and are made new. However, our carnal minds are not instantly transformed. Following our flesh is what will keep us out of the abundant life – it’s where we can be tempted into sin or doubt.
A good example of battling the carnal mind is when the Pharisees brought Jesus a woman who was caught in adultery. He did not immediately jump up and answer their accusations, but instead He calmly and quietly waited for the Spirit to tell Him what to say and how to respond. When we are walking in the abundant life, we will wait quietly for the Spirit to tell us how to respond to external circumstances. We don’t jump in immediately and do what seems right to us, even though it “leads to death”.
In order to get our minds off of self and off of the natural concerns of this world, we first need to learn to trust the Lord with all our hearts. We cannot get our minds off of the natural in our own strength.
Key Scriptures: 2 Corinthians 5:17, Proverbs 14:12, John 8:1-12, Proverbs 3:1-6
