It seems as if all the young actresses and pop stars who achieved fame as children and teenagers start walking down a path of self-destruction before they attain the necessary maturity to handle life. Drugs, alcohol, parties, deviant behavior, legal problems, fights, breakups, infidelity... The family members of these famous "artist geniuses," are set aside for an entourage of enablers. Fortunes are squandered, talent is wasted, opportunities slip away, relationships are destroyed, reputations are earned, and potential is never realized. The Apostle Paul simply states:"To be carnally minded is death." That is essentially the same message that is impressed on the young star that ends up in rehab, where they are told: "Your behavior is killing you."
Contrast the life of the carnal person who is living life in the fast lane with the life that God has in mind for His people. "To be spiritually minded is life and peace." Martin Smith, lead singer of the group "Delirious" wrote the following lyrics that describe the Christian walk: (From the song - "Walk With Me")
In Your presence Lord there is peace, there is rest
In Your presence Lord there is life that never ends
In Your presence Lord there is joy there is joy
In Your presence Lord there is life that never ends
The difference between the carnal life and the spiritually minded life is essentially amplified by two very real factors. The carnal life is negatively impacted by its own destructive behavior which sows nothing but heartache, pain, trouble and failure; whereas, the spiritually mined life is blessed by God. I have personally tasted of God's goodness and enjoyed His favor and blessing--I cannot imagine trying to go through life alone with only my own resources to deal with the challenges. I love the idea and the reality of life and peace.
Prayer: "Dear heavenly Father, so glad to know that You are with me. SO GLAD TO KNOW THAT YOU ARE WITH ME!!! Even in this moment, I am aware of Your Spirit ministering life and peace. I can breath knowing that it is well with my soul. Every day that I live on this earth, I count myself as blessed--for You are good, and there is no end to Your mercy, and there is no end to Your grace, and there is nothing that can separate me from Your love! Amen"
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