From Carnal to Spiritual (Part 5): Walking in the Spirit Daily
Before we continue, let’s take a moment to look back at where we’ve been. In Part 1, we saw the difference between the carnal mind and the spiritual mind. The carnal mind is natural to all of us—it’s how we think before we come to Christ, and it remains with us unless we renew it. In Part 2, we learned that renewal requires forsaking. We cannot hold on to old thoughts and expect new life. The Word of God must replace what we once believed. Then in Part 3, we were reminded that spiritual growth is a journey. It’s not about being perfect but about moving forward. Every step matters. And in Part 4, we saw that renewal is shaped by doctrine. The mind is not renewed by emotion or experience, but by truth—truth rightly divided and received with meekness.
Now we come to Part 5, and we begin to see how this renewed mind is lived out. It’s not just something we understand—it’s something we walk in. Paul writes, “If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.” (Galatians 5:25). This is not a once-off decision. It is a daily walk. It is a way of thinking, a way of responding, a way of living. The spiritual mind is not just for study—it is for life.
Walking in the Spirit means paying attention to the things of God. It means setting our thoughts on what is true and letting the Word guide our steps. The carnal mind does not go away on its own. It must be replaced, and that happens when we choose to think spiritually in everyday moments. When we are tired, when we are tempted, when we are tested—these are the times when the spiritual walk is proven. Paul tells us to “walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise” (Ephesians 5:15). That means we walk with care. We walk with purpose. We walk with understanding.
This walk is not powered by feelings. It is led by truth. The Spirit does not lead us through emotion—He leads us through the Word. That is why Paul speaks of the fruit of the Spirit: “love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance” (Galatians 5:22-23). These are not things we try to produce—they are the result of a mind that is yielded to God. When we walk in the Spirit, these things begin to show in our lives. Not all at once, and not without struggle, but they grow as we continue.
To walk in the Spirit daily is to renew the mind daily. It is to let the Word of Christ dwell in us richly. It is to think on things above, and to let the peace of God rule in our hearts. This is not something we do by accident. It is a choice. It is a habit. It is a spiritual discipline. And it is worth it. Because when we walk in the Spirit, we begin to see life and peace. We begin to respond with grace. We begin to grow in wisdom. And we begin to reflect the mind of Christ.
So let us walk. Not just when it’s easy, but when it’s needed. Let us walk with understanding, with patience, and with joy. Let us walk in the Spirit and let the Word shape our steps. For this is how the renewed mind becomes a renewed life.
Inspired by and adapted from this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aXAXfJ2KPk0
