Human Nature

“Those who live as their human nature tells them to, have their minds controlled by what human nature wants. Those who live as the Spirit tells them to, have their minds controlled by what the Spirit wants.” (Romans 8:5 GNT)

Most weight loss programs focus on external, physical changes. They recommend foods that lead to visible transformation. We can see when there is extra fat around our waists, but we can’t see the plaque inside our arteries that may cause heart disease or strokes. Physicians who do invasive surgeries can see the effects of diets that are high in saturated fats. What is invisible externally is visible to these doctors. You would imagine that surgeons who are aware of these facts would follow healthy diets, but they don’t always do so. They, too, are controlled by their human nature. 

Those who live as their human nature tells them to have their minds controlled by what human nature wants. They become enslaved to their urges. Their minds are set on gratifying cravings. They are driven by their baser instincts. They are mainly concerned about the visible, physical realm. Anything that they cannot see or touch seems less real. Even those who have experienced the invisible, spiritual realm don’t always live in a different manner. They, too, succumb to their human nature. 

Those who live as the Spirit tells them to have their minds controlled by what the Spirit wants. They are no longer addicted to their urges. Their minds are set on higher things. They are motivated by nobler instincts. They don’t ignore or forget what they have glimpsed in the spiritual realm. This awareness influences their choices and overrides their human nature.