Romans 8.5-6
“For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.”
Throughout scripture, the Lord tells us not to be afraid. “Do not fear” or “Be not afraid” or “Fear not” or “Have courage” is a consistent message from our Lord. This is because God sends us into a fallen, broken world that is under the influence and control of an enemy who is the god of fear. That means that in this world there will be battles, and many of them will be frightening and intimidating situations.
The enemy wants us to live in fear. God wants us to walk by faith.
In order to defeat fear (or any other disruptive emotion), there are two steps you must take: 1) Recognize when your mind is focusing in the wrong direction. Be aware when you are giving your attention to the wrong thing. 2) Refocus on what really matters. Redirect your mind back to the things of the Spirit.
These two action steps are the essential inner work of faith in response to the challenges of life in a fallen world. It is possible to believe in Jesus but not do this essential inner work. The consequence is a person who is saved but struggling. A person who is saved but defeated.
“Recognize and refocus” is precisely what Paul instructs us to do in the Romans passage above. Paul makes it clear that the battle is in the mind. Everyone wants “external” victory and success. But to win the battle on the outside you must first win the battle on the inside. If you don’t do the inner work of faith, you will not have victory in external things.
The quality of your inner work determines the quality of your outer work. It is for this reason that scripture places such a high priority on the activity of the mind.
“I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Romans 12.1-2)
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” (Philippians 4.8)
Let me say it again: Where your mind goes, you go.
