Set Your Mind – The Presidential Prayer Team

Those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. – Romans 8:5

In many of today’s news briefings, you hear references to the “narrative,” and what does or does not fit the particular ideology of a particular group. Over time, the powerful dynamics of human social interaction have often made people prey to propaganda and social pressure about what and how to think. Cult leaders try to get you to not think at all because the thinking has been done for you, by them.

God, on the other hand, created you with a mind and He expects you to use it. For example, Philippians 4:8 tells you to think about what is pure, honorable, just, true, lovely commendable, and excellent. Meditating on such positive things not only establishes a positive attitude, it can actually increase your physical strength, reduce pain, and relieve your mind of anxiety. Romans 8:6, the follow-up to today’s verse, says a mind that is set on the Spirit is one of life and peace. And it is also a mind that will not fall victim to those who desire to control it.

Intentionally place your focus on God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. “Learn of me,” Jesus said (Matthew 11:28). Lift your eyes and set your mind on the One who is the Author of peace and liberty. Pray for local officials in government to avoid “accepted narratives,” and to learn of the freedom to think that is found in Jesus.

Today’s Verse: Romans 8:5

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.

All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Recommended for further reading: Romans 8:5-11

⁵For 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. ⁶For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. ⁷For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God’s law; indeed, it cannot. ⁸Those who are in the flesh cannot please God.

⁹You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him. ¹⁰But if Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness. ¹¹If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you.