The Mind Set on the Spirit

 November 28, 2024

Thursday

One of my staff had a guy come into his office and say, " I just had a dream that you needed prayer. I don't know what it is about but I felt like I needed to come and pray for you." This couldn't have come at a more appropriate time. The staff member was under tremendous strain.

Should these kinds of encounters be unusual? I don't think so.  If Christians possess the Holy Spirit, then shouldn't He lead us to do things? Didn't He lead Jesus into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil? Paul and his companions were led by the Holy Spirit not to enter Bithynia. Instead, He led them to Macedonia. Peter was led by the Holy Spirit to preach the message at Pentecost. Yes, there are several times that the Holy Spirit led people. So, why not now?

The answer seems trite. We are so often led by the flesh.

Galatians 5:17 (NASB 2020)¹⁷ For the desire of the flesh is against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, in order to keep you from doing whatever you want.

Thus, we quench the Spirit.

1 Thessalonians 5:19 (NASB 2020) ¹⁹ Do not quench the Spirit, 

Essentially, "quench" is a present imperative. This means that it is a command to stop quenching the Spirit. Evidently, quenching the Spirit is our default. Thus, it will take that renewed mind that determines the mind needs to be set on the Spirit.

Colossians 3:2 (NASB 2020) ² Set your minds on the things that are above, not on the things that are on earth.

So, set your mind on the Spirit. Tell the Spirit you will obey when He speaks. Then, ask if there is anyone you need to contact today. Is there something that you need to do today? Is there something you need to confess today. Is there someone to ask for forgiveness? Is there someone you need to forgive? This will not come up naturally. It will only come when you are sensitive to and obey the Spirit because your mind is set on the Spirit.

So, is it?