Living spiritually in this world

EDITOR: “For they that are after the flesh mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For the mind of the flesh is death; but the mind of the Spirit is life and peace.” Romans 8:5-6.The above quote from the Sacred Scriptures shows that life and peace come from living a spiritual life. What does it mean to live a spiritual life? What should we do to live spiritually?

In the inspired Scriptures, we find a definite picture of the spiritual life which is to be lived by Yahweh’s people. We affirm that the Scriptures teach a life of total obedience to Almighty Yahweh and to His perfect Laws. Indeed, Yahshua our Messiah instructed us in John 6:63 that His words are spirit and life. Yahshua also said that He spoke not from himself, but from the Father who sent Him (John 12:49). Therefore, keeping Yahweh’s laws makes us more spiritual. Furthermore, in Galatians 5:22-23, we find the Fruit of the Spirit. These are qualities that would be exhibited by someone who has the Holy Spirit within them. It should be our aim to have love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, meekness and self-control in our lives.

The qualities that should be eliminated or kept out of our lives are in verses 19-21 of the same chapter. Notice how they are completely opposite from the Fruit of the Spirit. They are known as the ‘works of the flesh’.

They are: fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousies, wraths, factions, divisions, parties, envyings, drunkenness, and revellings.

Love not the world : In 1 John 2:15, it says, “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the father is not in him.”

Just because we live in the world, it doesn’t mean we have to be of the world.

Now, how do we know what exactly is referred to as “the world” here? In verse 16, it says, “…the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the vainglory of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world”. Therefore, lusting after unlawful sex, lusting after materialism (such as great wealth and physical possessions), and being vain and arrogant are all considered to be worldly.

Our lives should not reflect these things.

Positivity and Prayerfulness: Yahweh’s Word teaches us to be “transformed by the renewing of our mind” Romans 12:2.We are also instructed to always think on positive things (Philippians 4:8), and to keep thinking about our Father Yahweh (Isaiah 26:3). This leads to “perfect peace”. In Ephesians 6:18, we are also commanded to pray at all seasons with perseverance.

Praying keeps us connected to our Heavenly Father. It is how we were taught to communicate with Him.

Keeping your Body Pure: The formula for salvation is to repent, be baptized in Yahshua’s Name, receive the Holy Spirit and endure to the end in obedience (Acts 2:38, Matthew 24:13). Furthermore, we must never forget that our bodies are to be temples of the living Elohim. Yahweh’s Spirit must dwell within us after being baptized (2 Corinthians 6:16). This means that we should not take into our bodies  anything addictive or harmful. This includes illegal drugs which may deteriorate our health. It also includes unclean food (such as pork or shellfish) as outlined in Yahweh’s laws (Leviticus 11, Deuteronomy 14). Almighty Yahweh wants his people to be strong, healthy, and sanctified.

Loving and Peaceful Homes: The Scriptures teach very clearly that Almighty Yahweh created the family as a social unit in which the spirit of love prevails. Husbands are commanded to love, nourish and cherish their wives. Wives are commanded to love, respect, and submit to their husbands. The parents are instructed to teach their children the correct way that leads to eternal life. The children are commanded to obey their parents (Ephesians 5:20-33, Ephesians 6:1-9). These instructions, if followed, will lead to unity, peace, and togetherness.

Ulrika Sutherland