Now the mind of the flesh [which is sense and reason without the Holy Spirit] is death [death that comprises all the miseries arising from sin, both here and hereafter]. But the mind of the [Holy] Spirit is life and [soul] peace [both now and forever]. Romans 8:6 (AMPC)
Do you focus solely on things that you can sense with your five senses? The here and now? Immediate gratification? Paul called this thinking “sense and reason without the Holy Spirit.” When you have this focus, your decisions are based on two things—self-preservation and self- gratification.
There are consequences. Paul said that it results in “death,” not necessarily physical but “all the miseries arising from sin, both here and hereafter” (Romans 8:6).
Although ironic, focusing on making yourself happy is the fastest trip to feeling depressed.
Conversely, when you set your thoughts on the things of the Spirit, you care about things that will last for eternity. You also care about what God cares about. It is an incredibly powerful process. According to Paul, your mind becomes filled with mental and emotional peace, God’s love and the joy of helping others. A great sense of purpose rises up in you, and you grow in ways you never thought possible.
As you go about your day, do not let yourself default towards only protecting yourself and making yourself happy. Choose God’s purposes, go out of your way to help others, and let God take care of the rest.
His protection, joy and satisfaction are greater than anything you could ever gain by looking out for number one.