A Simple Explanation of Christian Teaching
“Now the of the flesh is death [both now and forever — because it pursues sin]; but the mind of the Spirit is life and peace [the spiritual well-being that comes from walking with God — both now and forever];” (Romans 8:6 AMP)
When we talk about “sense and reason without the Holy Spirit” in Christian belief, we’re really asking: What happens when we try to figure out life using only our own logic, emotions, and common sense—without God’s help? Here’s a straightforward explanation:
What Is the “Carnal Mind”?
The “carnal mind” is just a way of describing how we think and act when we only rely on ourselves—our own desires, feelings, and what the world teaches us. It means living without paying attention to God or seeking His guidance.
Are Sense and Reason Bad?
Not at all. Our ability to think, reason, and make sense of things is a gift from God. But, according to the Bible, relying on these alone is like trying to drive at night with no headlights. You can only see so far, and you’re likely to miss something important. Without the Holy Spirit, our thinking is limited, and we can make choices that take us further away from God.
What Does the Bible Say?
The Bible teaches that following only our own way—our “flesh”—leads to spiritual trouble and separation from God. Romans 8:1-9 explains that those who trust in themselves alone miss out on the deeper, better life God wants for them. It also says that it’s only through the Holy Spirit that we can really understand God’s will, do what’s right, and find true peace.
Why Is the Holy Spirit Important?
The Holy Spirit is like having a guide, teacher, and friend who helps us see beyond our own ideas. The Spirit gives us wisdom, helps us resist doing wrong, and shows us how to live in a way that pleases God. It’s not just about following rules, but about having a new way of thinking and living, inspired by God.
What’s the Big Difference?
Without the Holy Spirit, we’re working with a limited view. We might try to do good, but we fall short because we’re missing God’s power and direction. With the Holy Spirit, we get a new perspective—we begin to care more about what matters to God (like love, kindness, and truth) and less about pleasing ourselves or fitting in with the world.
How Can We Get This Help?
Christians believe the way to open up to the Holy Spirit is to trust in Jesus, read God’s Word (the Bible), pray, and ask God for guidance. The more we do this, the more our thinking and actions reflect God’s love and wisdom.
In Everyday Words
Trying to live life only by what makes sense to us is like trying to build a complicated machine without the instructions. We might get some things right, but we’ll miss the bigger picture. The Holy Spirit gives us the “manual,” helping us live in a way that truly brings peace and purpose.
Final Thought
In short: Using our sense and reason is good, but we need the Holy Spirit to really live the way God meant us to live. With God’s Spirit guiding us, we experience a deeper, fuller, and more meaningful life.
Minister A Francine Green
July 2025
afrancinegreen.com 