When it comes to “carnal mindedness,” the Bible is clear: the “carnally minded” walk toward death, while the “spiritually minded” walk toward life in Christ.
“There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. . . . For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.” (Romans 8:1–6)
The very next verse clarifies that the carnal mind is “enmity against God.” It is a selfish character in direct contrast to the selfless character of Jesus Christ, which is why the existence of the carnally minded Christian poses a real problem. Is this person an oxymoron or a reality within Christianity? How can a Christian ensure they are spiritually minded, or walking “according to the Spirit”?
The answers may surprise you.
Can a Christian Be Carnally Minded?
Both the new convert and decades-long church member can be a carnally minded Christian. Religious titles and activities do not automatically engender spirituality. In fact, most carnally minded Christians are likely unaware of their own condition and thus yearn to experience more in their faith.
Speaking to a group of carnally minded individuals, the apostle Paul writes:
“And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual people but as to carnal, as to babes in Christ. I fed you with milk and not with solid food; for until now you were not able to receive it, and even now you are still not able; for you are still carnal. For where there are envy, strife, and divisions among you, are you not carnal and behaving like mere men? For when one says, ‘I am of Paul,’ and another, ‘I am of Apollos,’ are you not carnal?” (1 Corinthians 3:1–4)
What does it mean to be carnally minded? According to this biblical passage, it means to live by the powers of humanity, the strengths and abilities of other humans or of oneself. The recipients of this letter were dependent on human philosophy instead of God’s wisdom. They were not obeying the God of heaven but the men who shared the Gospel with them. They were not sufficiently filled with the Holy Spirit.
Some people believe that the carnally minded are only people who live in blatant sin, who would outright admit that they are not following biblical teaching. But that is only one of the many shades within this group. In his letter, Paul addressed the carnal people, the “babes in Christ,” as “brethren.” He was dealing with church members, self-identified “Christians.” Yet he could not speak to them in the same way he would speak to spiritual people because they had not grown in faith as they should have. A person can gain biblical knowledge and still not grow spiritually.
The Characteristics of the Carnally Minded Christian
Many carnally minded Christians feel dissatisfaction, disappointment, and purposelessness. They may feel constant stress connected to their spiritual life. Other carnally minded Christians have gotten used to their condition or have grown to accept the lack of depth in their faith journey. They might say something like, “We’re just sinners. We can’t do anything about it.” Other carnally minded Christians might be enthusiastic. They may be extremely glad that they know biblical truth and are active in their local church. They may be church leaders. They may even do a lot for God.
In Matthew 7:22–23, Jesus says:
“Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’ ”
What is the problem with this group? Jesus does not know them. They do not follow His law because they do not love Him. They do not have a real relationship with Christ, but rather a feigned relationship.
Perhaps the carnally minded Christian has never truly committed to Jesus, or perhaps they have neglected to maintain their relationship with Him. Either way, Jesus does not live in their hearts. His Spirit is not sanctifying them.
A person whose life is defined by “enmity with God” will, in one way or another, deny Christ. They may do this through unkind speaking, pursuing sinful pleasure, conforming to the world, practicing uncourteous or deceptive behavior, loving their own opinions, cherishing doubt, and dwelling in sin. Their “fruits” are rotten, contrary to the fruits of the Spirit.
Paul describes the behavior of the carnally minded in Galatians 5:
“Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.” (verse 19–21)
Although a person might call themselves a Christian, their actions and words will declare that Christ is not in them.
How to Be Spiritually Minded
In the next few verses of Galatians 5, Paul describes the characteristics of the spiritually minded:
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.” (verses 22–25)
How can the Christian make sure they are spiritually minded? It’s simple. They must nurture their relationship with Jesus: walk with Him and continually surrender their lives to Him. Just as we cannot save ourselves, we cannot bear the fruits of the Spirit on our own. Spiritual mindedness is not built upon our own strengths but upon the grace and power of Jesus.
One of the most wonderful messages of Scripture is that any person—whether they are unaware of their carnal condition, knowingly practice hypocrisy, or blatantly rebel against God’s law—has the option to change their character. All people can experience the miraculous joy of a life guided by the Holy Spirit.
But remember: there is no such thing as a partial surrender. To give only half of your heart to Christ is like asking the Holy Spirit to drive but refusing to let go of the steering wheel.
“No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.” (Matthew 6:24)
Only those who say, “Lord, all I have and all I am is Yours,” will be acknowledged as sons and daughters of God.
Are you a carnally minded Christian? Are you searching for something more? Do you want to grow your relationship with Jesus?
There is hope and room at the cross for you.
Related Articles:
Carnal Christians: The Divide Between Spirit and Flesh
The Work of the Holy Spirit in Our Lives: Guiding and Transforming
Surrender to God: What Full Surrender Means in the Christian Life
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Scripture quotations are taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
