What kind of heart we have will determine what kind of Christians we are. I am not speaking of the physical heart that pumps blood through our bodies, but of our biblical heart, that is, our minds. We all need to search our hearts from time to time because the condition of our hearts will play a huge role in determining our eternal destiny. Let us consider, for a moment or two, the different kinds of mindsets we might have.

First, we might have a carnal or fleshly mindset. Paul wrote, “For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh…” (Romans 8:5). The word flesh often refers to the old, sinful nature, that is, the old man that we crucified when we obeyed the gospel (Romans 6:6; Galatians 5:24). The problem is the old man wants to come back to life and dominate us again, and that is what happens when we live according to the flesh. Before one ever lives according to the flesh, he first sets his mind on the things of the flesh, and to do that is to be fleshly minded. To set the mind on the flesh is to give in to the desires of the old man that was corrupted by sin. Do you selfishly live your life on your terms instead of God’s terms? If so, you have a fleshly mindset. You cannot please God in that state of being. In Romans 8, Paul continued with this: “For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God’s law; indeed, it cannot” (Romans 8:7). So, here is the point of self-examination that needs to take place. Do you submit to God’s law as a manner of living? If so, you do not have a fleshly mindset, for if you did, you would not obey God. Where are we spiritually? Whether we submit to God or not tells the story.

The opposite of minding the things of the flesh is to mind the things of the Spirit. That mindset leads to life and peace (Romans 8:6). Now, just like there is outward evidence of one having a fleshly mindset, there is evidence of one setting his mind on the Spirit. That evidence is the fruit of the Spirit. Those who mind the things of the Spirit will always bring forth the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). Paul tells us that the fruit of Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. We cannot fake this, can we? Either our lives consist of these things or they do not. So, where are you with your mindset? If you have the mind of the Spirit, everyone will know it. You do not have to make empty claims about it; your fruit makes the claim for you.

Another passage that speaks of the mind is Colossians 3:2. Paul wrote, “Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth” (Colossians 3:2).

Do you do this? What kind of thoughts dominate your mind? Are you more concerned about earthly things or heavenly things? These are some of the questions that we should ask ourselves when determining what kind of mindset we have. We all should strive to have spiritual minds that focus more on heaven and heavenly things than on earthly things. Jesus tells us one thing that we must do in order to set our minds on things that are above—we must avoid the accumulation of earthly things. Jesus said, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Let us never forget that we are just pilgrims in this world.

“An American tourist paid a visit to a renowned Polish preacher. He was astonished to see that the preacher’s home was only a simple room filled with books, plus a table and a cot. The tourist asked, “Preacher, where is your furniture?” The preacher replied, “Where is yours? “The puzzled American asked, “Mine? But I’m only a visitor here. I’m only passing through.” The preacher said, “So am I.”

As you wind down for the night, think on these things.