What Is Your Mindset?

Romans 8:6 "To set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace."

I wonder sometimes how much of our thoughts are taken up by the flesh. A recent study showed that Americans are bombarded by at least 3,000 advertising messages each day. Most of those messages encourage the flesh to eat more, look good, have the latest toys, get the girl (or guy) and never be satisfied with what you got yesterday.

Especially as the Christmas holiday approaches the messages to our flesh mount. At this time do you find yourself focusing on what you can get? Perhaps you are making lists of things you want; fantasizing over a new toy or gadget.

I find it ironic that we become so materialistic at Christmas when we are supposed to celebrate the greatest gift ever given, that of Jesus Christ coming into the world.

And what is the fruit of all that? Greed, jealousy (when someone else gets what we think we should have), covetousness, frustration, even anger. That's death stuff. If we would instead focus on the Spirit we would experience life and peace. What are the things of the Spirit? Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, self control, among other things.

My suggestion for this Christmas? Instead of the gifts, focus on giving out these qualities as gifts from yourself to others, especially to those you don't like. Want to have a happy holiday? Be a giver, not a getter.

Pastor Tom