Dealing with Duality of Human Nature

UV 3394/10000 Dealing with Duality of Nature

For those who are living according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh ( which gratify the body), but those who are living according to the Spirit, (set their minds on) the things of the Spirit ( His will and purpose).

Romans 8 v 5

All of us have a dual nature- a spiritual nature and a carnal or worldly nature that panders to the whims and desires of our flesh and our vain minds. The uni-verse above warns us that we should not live to satisfy our worldly desires, the desires of the flesh ( what our eyes and our bodies long for) and of our minds ( what our egos long for) but live to satisfy the desires of the Spirit of God. We need to habitually say, “No” to our vain and selfish desires. By not feeding these, we put to death over time our old selves, our sinful selves. This is the process of sanctification or refinement and purification into which we are immersed once we have been justified or declared guilt-free by faith in the sacrificial death of Christ. We are to set our minds or focus on living according to the direction of the Spirit. We cannot live such a life except by availing the help of the Spirit of God who is given to us for our sanctification, comfort, purification and growth.

Instead of living in accordance with the impulses of our carnal nature, we should live in accordance with the “pulse” of the Holy Spirit. It implies that we are led by the Holy Spirit in everything we think, say and do. We do not allow our emotions of anger, impatience, fear, insecurity to take control of our minds. We seek and desire only what the Spirit seeks and desires in us. We continually confide in Him and seek His help in overcoming the draw of our own inner nature. We sense His presence always with us, eager to counsel us in our decisions and choices. We do not allow our impulses to overrule the voice of the Holy Spirit but our inner ears are always inclined to hear Him and do likewise.

Our goal should be to conform to the image of Christ. Christ was obedient to the point of death. Likewise, we should put to death our sinful nature, our sinful desires that in no way would please the Father. By obeying the word of God, we live in righteousness by grace. Such obedience might cost us our pride and wilfulness but it will deal a death blow to our old nature. We become more than conquerors for conquerors never enjoyed inner victory. Our quest for conquest begins and ends in Christ –in –us. We die to our sinful selves and live for Him. We , thereby enjoy the spiritual inheritance, peace and blessings of Christ Himself.