God’s Word tells us that every person lives in one of two camps. We either live according to the flesh and set our minds on the things of the flesh, or we live according to the Spirit and set our minds on the things of the Spirit (Romans 8:5). In which camp do you currently reside?
To help us decide why we need to abide in the camp that sets our mind on the things of the Spirit (lives according to the Spirit), we need to look at God’s Word.
And God’s Word tells us, “To set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace” (Romans 8:6).
Years ago, I met a man on a flight to Chicago who shared his knowledge about a World View verses a God View. He drew and filled out a separate diagram for both views each containing one small circle within one large circle. At pages 62-64 of my book, I include both diagrams and a separate discussion for each.
Below is what the man told me:
The World View basis for happiness—wealth, power, and position compared with the God View basis for happiness—relationship with God, daily spiritual food, and loving and serving others.
The World View lifestyle—self-centered and ego-driven compared with the God View lifestyle—motivate, encourage, comfort others, and integrity.
The World View small circle in the center of the large circle—self and job compared with the God View small circle in the center—The Holy Trinity. The businessman told me that whatever is at the center of your life is where you find your self-image, security, and power.
Right above the small circle in the World View—position, power, influence, and wealth compared with the God View—family.
Working around the inner part of the World View large circle in a clockwise direction—title and prestige compared with the God View—friends-current and new, and teamwork.
Continuing on in a clockwise direction for the World View—money and possessions compared with the God View—relationship with God
Next for the World View—recreation, most expensive compared with the God View—recreation, but not the most expensive.
Bottom line World View—what’s in it for me compared with the bottom line God View—love, serve, and obey God.
The World View focus—He who dies with the most toys wins compared with the God View focus—love, serve, and comfort others.
World View result—burnout, unhappy, and unfulfilled compared with the God View result—abundant joyful living.
If we want life, peace, and abundant joyful living, God’s Word makes it clear that we must set our mind on the things of the Spirit (live according to the Spirit) and follow a God View model.