What Are You After?
From Pastor Shemalya King
“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
My Sisters and Brothers,
Many times life stinks for us because of where we focus our energy–what we're after (what we're seeking). There are principles of the kingdom that ONLY work if you'll implement them the way God instructs.
Are you miserable right now over something? Are things NOT working out the way you planned or the way you hoped? Is it because of this that you're pretty upset with God? Do you see a pattern of this outcome in your life with pretty much the SAME results? Can I tell you what's wrong? Did you say “yes”? Great!
You're going to HAVE TO change your mindset (Isaiah 55:8-9). This is what the crucified life is ALL about; it's about exchanging your ways for His ways so that a people who once did not have the mind of God, now do (1 Corinthians 2:16). Most people are so enamored with their own ideas and creativity (the way they think) that they never submit to God. It's a shame that most that I'm referring to believe that they ARE submitted to God, and that they DO want what God wants for them. The truth is that they're lying to themselves, others, and God. Most have ideas that they want God to submit to (they want God to submit to their will–kinda like reverse osmosis). This is a very dangerous way of living. It most often leads to agnosticism which leads to atheism which leads to practices of witchcraft which can lead to a reprobate mind. Other times it just leads to a devout life of deception producing people confident in their own righteousness and convinced that they are perfectly fit for heaven (Matthew 7:21-23).
We all are born into sin because of Adam. This nature that is upon us at birth remains all around us even after the curse of sin is broken off through Christ Jesus. That nature is lust and pride: that's ALL that the world consists of (1 John 2:16). Therefore, precious one, you are SURROUNDED by lust and pride and you came out of that culture. The danger of cultural Christianity is that most never lose their old mindset: lust and pride. SAD!!! They offer up lusty and prideful prayers wanting God to put His blessing upon it (James 4:2-3). It never happens and thus they are frustrated most of the time.
Here's the principle of the kingdom: “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” Matthew 6:33. Have you EVER had a moment in your life where EVERYTHING was ALL about God? If not, I'm telling you what the problem is…you never died to yourself. If you NEVER do the first thing, you'll NEVER see the blessings added unto you. You want and God wants to give, but the devil is pulling your attention to the want and away from God: keeping you stressed and dissatisfied. Maybe God won't give you the EXACT thing you're seeking right now, but I can almost guarantee that what you're looking at and desiring is a fraud or replica of what God has for you. That's why it has such a strong pull on your mind. OR maybe it's just not the time. No matter the issue, if you don't do the FIRST thing, you'll never get the desires of your heart.
God doesn't grant lusty prayers! However, if you're not careful, He'll give you over to your own lusts: That's the WORST answered prayer ever (Numbers 11:32-34; Romans 1:24-28).
“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
Change what you're going after. Go after the Spirit. Seek first the kingdom and seek HIS righteousness. He doesn't want what you're willing to offer Him. He wants your ENTIRE life, and He wants His ENTIRE will to take place in your life.
To be spiritually minded is life and peace (Romans 8:6).
