What It Means to Be Carnal—and How We Grow Into Spiritual Maturity
What Does Being “Carnal” Really Mean?
In the Bible, the word “carnal” comes from the Greek word sarkikos, which simply means “fleshly” or “of the flesh.” In everyday language, being carnal describes a life led mostly by our natural desires, emotions, and instincts—things like pride, jealousy, anger, or selfishness. It’s about living according to our old human nature, rather than letting God’s Spirit lead and shape us. Even if we believe in God or go to church, we can still act in carnal ways if our actions and attitudes are mostly driven by what we want, rather than what God wants.
Biblical Perspectives on Carnality
· Definition & Mindset: Paul explains in Romans 8:6-7 that a “carnal mind” is focused on the things of the flesh. This way of thinking is actually opposed to God—it doesn’t submit to God’s law and can’t please Him.
· Spiritual Immaturity (1 Corinthians 3:1-3): Paul called the early Christians in Corinth “carnal”—like babies in Christ—because they were jealous, argumentative, and divided. This immaturity, shown by constant strife and division, is a clear sign of carnality.
· Characteristics: Carnality shows up as giving in to selfish urges, being prideful, and lacking the fruit of the Spirit, like love, patience, and kindness.
· Consequences: Living “in the flesh” leads to spiritual death and makes it impossible to please God (Romans 8:8, 13). It keeps us stuck and prevents true growth.
· The Solution: The Bible teaches that the way out of carnality is to “walk in the Spirit”—to let the Holy Spirit lead us, renew our minds, and help us put to death our old ways (Galatians 6:7-8, Romans 12:2).
How to Recognize a Carnal Life
Just like a doctor diagnoses illness before treating it, we need to honestly ask ourselves: “Am I still mostly carnal, or am I letting God’s Spirit change me?” Here are some signs of a carnal state:
1. Prolonged Spiritual Infancy: Every Christian starts out as a spiritual “baby.” But if there’s no real growth in faith, love, or character over time, it’s a sign of being stuck. Carnal believers often need constant help and don’t help others grow. They may miss the early joy of faith and struggle with old habits.
2. Ongoing Struggles and Failures: If your life is marked by frequent arguments, jealousy, grudges, or a short temper, it’s likely that natural desires are running the show instead of God’s Spirit.
3. Talents Without Spiritual Fruit: You can be gifted—able to preach, teach, or pray in public—but still be carnal if you are full of pride, selfishness, or lack humility. Spiritual gifts aren’t the same as spiritual maturity.
4. Difficulty Accepting Deeper Truths: Carnal people may enjoy listening to sermons or clever ideas, but these don’t really change them. True spiritual wisdom needs a heart that’s open to God, not just a head full of knowledge.
Why Does This Matter?
It’s important to know whether we’re carnal or spiritual, because only when we see where we are can we begin to change. Ignoring the problem is like refusing to admit you’re sick—you’ll never get better until you face the truth.
The Journey from Carnal to Spiritual
1. Recognize and Admit: The first step is honest self-awareness. We have to admit that our own nature can’t please God and that we need His help to change.
2. Believe Change Is Possible: Trust that spiritual life isn’t just for “special” Christians. God wants to change all of us by His Spirit. It’s about believing He can actually help us live differently.
3. Let Go and Surrender: We need to give up anything that stands in the way—pride, anger, selfish habits—just like cleaning out a room so it can be used for something better. Only when we surrender can God fill us with His Spirit and transform us.
4. Claim It by Faith: Finally, we take a step of faith, trusting that God will do what He promises. It’s not about working harder, but about humbly asking God to make us spiritual and accepting His help.
Practical Takeaways
· The simplest truths of the Gospel—our sinfulness, God’s mercy, repentance, and faith in Jesus—are what help us grow. Even if we know a lot about doctrine, we can still be “beginners” in actually living it.
· Arguments and quarrels about religion often show a carnal spirit. True spirituality makes us more peaceful and loving, not more contentious.
· The journey from carnal to spiritual isn’t about perfection. It’s a daily process of letting God’s Spirit change us, step by step—helping us become more humble, loving, and controlled.
· Anyone can begin this journey. It starts with an honest question: “Lord, am I still carnal, or am I letting You make me spiritual?” When we ask this sincerely, God is always ready to help us move forward.
A Simple Prayer for Spiritual Growth
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your constant love and the promise of new life through Your Spirit. Help us to see where we fall short, to let go of what holds us back, and to trust wholly in Your power to change us. Fill us with faith, courage, and a desire to walk closely with You every day. May Your presence shape our words, actions, and hearts so that we may reflect Your love and truth to the world. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Conclusion: The Invitation to Grow
God’s invitation to move from a carnal life to a spiritual one is open to everyone. No matter where you are or what you’ve faced, His grace calls you forward into a deeper, more authentic relationship with Him. With open hearts and willing spirits, we can trust that God will continue to guide, renew, and empower us for lives that honor Him and bring blessing to others.
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