Romans 8:6b ...the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace...

How often do our minds fit into this description? One of the signs of a Spirit empowered life is a mind that is controlled by life and peace. In this passage, Paul contrasts life in the Spirit with death in sin. We as believers have One who overcame sin on our behalf, this is why we now are controlled by life. So often, however, we think that sin is still in control. The truth of it is that the Spirit is control. Lord, I ask to be changed so that I live out this truth! The second sign of a Spirit empowered life (by this I mean a truly Christian life - not a mystical experience) is that our minds will be controlled by peace. As Phillipians 4:7 says, "And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." What does it mean to have a mind controlled by the Spirit? Our lives will be lives of peace. Even in conflict. There is a peace that comes in the midst our daily busyness as we realize that even then, God is at work. His Spirit will accomplish his purpose of sanctification through the daily events (trials, temptations, and successes).

Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways! "For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been his counselor? Or who has given a gift to him that he might be repaid?" For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen. - Romans 10:33-36