A carnal person is too proud or fearful to trust God. They
live by their own efforts and do not want to "bother" God. They live
a roller coaster life, stressed out and weary, living a legalistic or an
undisciplined life. They only open their Bible on Sunday, if then. When given a
choice, they slide into sin, because it is easier than following God's way out (1
Corinthians 10:13).
Carnal people may have prayed for salvation, but they skip
one important step...salvation means to repent of sin and to trust in God. They
hide their sin and think no one will ever find out (Numbers
32:23). If they do not walk away from their sin and trust God,
they are not Christians (1 John 2:3,3:6-9; Ephesians 5:5). They
continue to practice sin and have no remorse for it.
The problem with living a carnal life is that we miss out
on the abundant blessings of living a spirit-filled life. God loves us and
planned every day of our life. He even wrote them down in His book before we
were ever born (Ephesians 2:10; Psalm 139:16). Life is
so much easier when we live it God's way. His Spirit directs our every move.
We can contrast the carnal lifestyle with that of a
Spirit-filled Christian, who lays down carnality of any kind (Ephesians
5:18). They are so completely yielded to the Holy Spirit that He fills their
spirit and soul with His presence (Romans 8:9). They
believe in Christ and were sealed with the Holy Spirit, who is their guarantee
of their inheritance with Christ of God's entire Kingdom (Ephesians
1:13-14).
They may grieve the Holy Spirit by some thought, word or
deed, but they repent as soon as the Spirit convicts them; and they do not live
a lifestyle of sin (Ephesians 4:30; 1 Thessalonians 5:19). They are
true disciples of Christ and they glorify God with every part of their life (John
16:1-15). Due to their dedication, they reap a fulfilled life,
overflowing with the fruit of God's Spirit and empowered by Him as well (John 15).
Prayer:
Father God, thank You for sending Your Spirit to rebirth
our spirit and to fill our body, soul and spirit for eternity (John
1:12; Colossians 2:9, 10; John 14:16, 17). Remind us that His life flows in
and through us and affects everything we think, do and say (John 7:37:39). Help us
to glorify Jesus and to live as His disciple throughout our lifetime (John
16:1-15). Prompt us to obey Your Word, so Your Spirit can freely
work in and through our life.
Thought for the Day:
God calls His Saints to live as witnesses for Him. - Acts
1:1-9
