What practical steps can we take to avoid a "hostile" mindset? Taking Romans 8:7 to Heart “the mind of the flesh is hostile to God: It does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so.” (Romans 8:7) A “hostile mindset” is the natural default of the flesh—self-reliant, resistant to God’s authority, quick to argue, slow to yield. Because Scripture is accurate and literal, we treat this warning as urgent and practical. The Holy Spirit replaces hostility with peace, but we cooperate. Here’s how. Spotting Signs of Hostility • Chronic irritation or bitterness • Reflexive criticism of God’s ways or people • Reluctance to obey clear commands • A steady diet of angry media or conversation • Isolation from Spirit-led community Step One: Surrender to the Spirit • “Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” (Galatians 5:16) • Begin each day acknowledging His rule; invite Him to govern thoughts, attitudes, and responses. Step Two: Saturate Your Heart with Scripture • “I have hidden Your word in my heart that I might not sin against You.” (Psalm 119:11) Practical helps: – Read a gospel chapter every morning. – Memorize verses that target anger, pride, or envy. – Post Scripture where you tend to lose your temper—desk, dashboard, kitchen. Step Three: Renew the Thought Life • “take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” (2 Corinthians 10:5) • Use Philippians 4:8 as a mental filter: if it isn’t true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, or praiseworthy—reject it. Step Four: Guard Your Inputs • Hostility grows where outrage is entertained. • Limit media that normalizes sarcasm or scorn. • Replace divisive voices with sermons, worship music, and testimonies that build faith. Step Five: Cultivate Christlike Speech • “Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful…” (Ephesians 4:29) • Pause before speaking; ask, “Will these words build up or break down?” Step Six: Choose Forgiveness and Love • “Bear with one another and forgive… Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” (Colossians 3:13) • Keep short accounts—confess offense quickly and release it. Step Seven: Practice Gratitude and Worship • Hostility withers in a thankful heart. Start and end each day naming three specific blessings. • Sing—privately or in church. Worship shifts the focus from self to God. Step Eight: Serve Someone Daily • Hostile minds turn inward; serving redirects energy outward. • Simple acts: encourage a coworker, bring a meal, write a note. Serving aligns us with Christ’s humble mindset (Philippians 2:5-8). Step Nine: Stay Accountable • “Let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds, not forsaking meeting together.” (Hebrews 10:24-25) • Invite a trusted believer to ask hard questions about your attitudes. Putting It All Together 1. Yield to the Spirit’s control. 2. Feed consistently on Scripture. 3. Monitor and replace toxic thoughts. 4. Filter influences. 5. Speak grace. 6. Forgive quickly. 7. Give thanks habitually. 8. Serve others. 9. Stay connected and accountable. Walk these steps daily and the mind of the Spirit—“life and peace” (Romans 8:6)—will steadily replace hostility. |
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