…and a spiritual mind is one made by faith, not just belief.
Our weakness is found in the things of the carnal mind, the temporal desires that, at times, seem to overwhelm our spiritual focus and faith. It is through this one weakness, the state of mind and heart created by the carnal mind that Satan gets some of his best work done. This is where temptations and carnal desires are felt and experienced. Is it any wonder that the word of God clearly states that the carnal mind is an “enmity” to him?
The carnal mind is of the flesh, of the world, of the body. It is there where selfishness and greed reins, along with the “ego” and the most influential nature for Satan…pride. Is it interesting that Ezra Taft Benson once said to us that “there is no such thing as righteous pride”? For all things carnal are not righteous and can never be. This says that carnal things, in and of themselves cannot do righteousness. It is the spiritual mind that can temper some carnal things within the righteous framework in order for that carnal thing to be acceptable. A simple example is sexual relations prior to marriage. After and within marriage, sexual relations with your spouse is supported by God, but not before marriage. This says that the carnal aspects of sexuality are subjugated to the rules and manners of righteousness in order for the act or that thing to be acceptable. Yet, be careful not to generalize this truth because the nature of the mortal mind is to think that all things carnal can be made good and that is just not so. Such as pride must be subjugated under “humbleness”, pride is not something that has good merits all by itself ( to speak on pride is another blog entry at another time).
As said, a true spiritual mind is achieved by right faith in God. There is no other way to gain a spiritual mind. Proper humbleness, sincerity, study, worship and practices, following the word and principles of God, upholding all things God says are righteous and good to him, working with and toward the good things of the spirit and so forth. I will note here that being faithful to the “Word of Wisdom” will also help develop and maintain a proper spiritual mind. It is the carnal mind that will desire those “caffeine” drinks, or that shot of liquor (just once) or the need to smoke, etc. In addition, the flesh body, albeit born in the carnal state, must be kept healthy, as this helps ward off stress, anguish, emotional imbalances, and provide “alertness”. All necessary for the developing and keeping of a spiritual mind.
Satan cannot do his work on someone when they are properly tuned and maintained with a spiritual mind, but once a person falls into the carnal mind state, he/she is open to influence.
Have you ever wondered by some people you know in the world, that are usually nice, kind and reasonable, suddenly are in contention or at odds with what you say about good principles, good things, this Church or somehow withdraw with some slight or uncaring toward you? – Their carnal mind let Satan get to them.
All people in this world, even ourselves, have a carnal mind. The difference between this Church and those of other doctrines is that this Church teaches how to be righteous, the others do not. We promote the spiritual mind and the others do not, at least do very little if anything. Holding the scriptures in the hand and announcing repentance is not a spiritual mind. As we have seen in this world, any person can self-proclaim themselves as preachers or pastors of the gospel. In fact, any trained monkey can boast the Bible (metaphor), but what really makes the difference is a person who exercises faith because right faith makes a spiritual mind and subjugates the carnal mind. Such as a simple choice not to drink caffeine drinks can be that trigger to a spiritual mind or to a carnal one. So…do you now think that cola is worth it? All Satan needs is a slight edge, since all carnal things are within his domain. He is good at prying open the door to your mind and heart. After all, he is a master criminal with a well shaped crowbar.
So which do you think is important? To support a carnal mind or a spiritual one?
It will take time to change, neither I nor God expect a sudden flip over, but be assured, if you exercise right faith, sincerity, effort and practice, asking God in prayer for help and guidance, he will teach you the difference between a carnal mind and state versus a spiritual one. Since he has done this with me, even though I am still learning how to improve, so shall he also help you.
Amen
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