For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. Romans 8:5 (KJV)

The flesh is the carnal nature of man, the fleshly nature, or the body. The Greek word for it is sarx. To be carnally-minded refers to the sinful human nature, not the born-again nature. As a born-again person, your spirit has a new nature. You are a new creation just like Jesus. However, our flesh must be crucified daily. In other words, we must consider our flesh dead so it can’t rule us.

To be carnally-minded is to have your mind on the flesh, which results in works of the flesh (Galatians 5:16-21). The flesh and spirit war against each other for dominance. A mind that is renewed to God’s Word helps us to be spiritually-minded, thinking and acting in line with the Word (Romans 12:1-2). A carnal, fleshly mind that is not renewed by the Word of God will dominate the spirit, resulting in a fleshly, carnal mindset and actions.

We must use our mouths to tell the flesh, “No, you can’t have your way.” Our words must line up with God’s word for this to work. Take authority over your flesh- speak God’s Word to it and tell the flesh to “Shut up and line up.” The more we do this and say yes to what God wants, sin will not dominate us. We will live not after the flesh- with all its wrong thoughts, attitudes, desires, words, and actions- but we’ll live after the spirit, doing the will of the Holy Spirit. This leads to joy, peace, and freedom.

This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law. Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. Galatians 5:16-21 (KJV)

As we say no to the flesh, we won’t do the works of the flesh, but rather we will grow and walk in the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23), living a fruitful and fulfilled life in God. Our lives will glorify God. The more we say no to the flesh and yes to the spirit, the more we will grow in Christlikeness. Less of us and more of Jesus- this should be our desire. Just say no to the flesh and yes to God. As you do, the flesh will decrease and the spirit will gain greater and greater dominance in your life.