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THE CARNAL AND SPIRITUAL MIND CONTRASTED
THE world in general are much mistaken with respect to the means of solid happiness. They seek the vanities of time and sense in hopes of finding satisfaction; and they shun religion under the idea that it would make them melancholy: but the “way of transgressors is hard [Note: Pro_13:15.].” On the contrary, the ways of religion afford both peace and pleasure [Note: Pro_3:17.]. The testimony of St. Paul respecting this is clear and decisive. His words naturally lead us to consider the difference between the carnal and the spiritual mind,
I. In their operations—
By “the carnal mind” we understand that principle of our fallen nature which affects and idolizes carnal things. The spiritual mind imports that principle which leads the soul to spiritual objects, and is implanted by the Holy Spirit in the hearts of the regenerate. The difference between these two principles is discoverable in our thoughts—
[The thoughts will naturally be fixed on the objects that are best suited to the reigning principle [Note: Our occupations in life indeed will give a direction to our minds: a carnal mind may from necessity be conversant about spiritual things, and a spiritual mind about carnal things. Particular occasions also may fix the attention much either on spiritual or carnal objects. But we speak of those seasons only, when the mind is free from pressing engagements, and can fix on the things which it most affects.]: to these objects they recur with frequency, fervour, and complacency. If we be under the dominion of a carnal principle, we shall be thinking of some pleasure, profit, honour, or other worldly vanity: if we be led by a spiritual principle, God, and Christ, and the concerns of the soul, will occupy the mind.]
The principles will also operate on the affections—
[Whatever we most esteem, we desire it when absent, hope for if it be attainable, love the means of attaining it, and rejoice in it when secured. If there be danger of losing it, we fear; we hate the means that would deprive us of it; and if it be lost, we grieve. The carnal mind is thus exercised about carnal objects: the spiritual mind is thus exercised about spiritual objects. Hence that caution given us with respect to the affections [Note: Col_3:2.]—]
The principles will yet further influence our aims and ends of action—
[A carnal man can only act from carnal motives: he will have carnal aims even in spiritual employments [Note: Zec_7:5-6.]. A spiritual man, on the contrary, will act from spiritual motives: he will act with spiritual views even in his temporal concerns. The one will seek his own interest or honour, and the other God’s glory [Note: 1Co_10:31.].]
This difference in the operation of the two principles causes a corresponding difference,
II. In their effects—
The effect of the carnal principle is beyond measure awful—
[This principle reigning in us proves us destitute of life; yea, rather, the reign of it is itself a state of spiritual “death:” it must moreover terminate in everlasting death. This is irreversibly decreed by God [Note: Gal_6:7.]; and it must be so in the very nature of things [Note: What comfort could a carnal person have in heaven? there are no objects there suited to his inclination; nor has he any delight in the employments of the celestial spirits.].]
The effect of the spiritual principle is inexpressibly glorious—
[Wherever it prevails, it is a proof of spiritual life: it is also invariably the means of filling the soul with “peace.” Nor can it issue otherwise than in eternal life and peace. This also is according to the express constitution of God [Note: Gal_6:8.]; and it must be so in the very nature of things [Note: Spiritual-mindedness constitutes our meetness for heaven, while it is also an anticipation and foretaste of heaven.].]
Address—
1. The carnal-minded—
[In what a lamentable state are they whose consciences testify that their thoughts, affections, and aims, are altogether carnal! Let it be remembered that it is God who declares this. Who would dare to continue in such a state another day? Let those who feel their misery plead that promise [Note: Eze_36:26.]—There is the same grace for them as has been effectual for others.]
2. The spiritual-minded—
[Happy they who are of this description! Let such adore the grace that has caused them to differ from others. Let them endeavour to improve in spirituality of mind; let them guard against relapses, which will destroy their peace; and let their eyes be fixed upon the eternal state, where their present bliss shall be consummated in glory.]