While the term government may not evoke positive emotions for many of us who hear it nowadays, when we look at it objectively, the word govern simply has to do with making and enforcing laws or policy. In short, it means to preside or to rule over something or someone. Therefore, when we examine Romans 8:6, the inference is that our minds — or the part of us that controls our reasoning, thoughts, and intellect — has a ruler or a governor. Someone or something tells us what to do and how to behave, and the Apostle Paul explains that there are two possible directors for this activity: the flesh and the Holy Spirit. It may be helpful to think of these “rulers” of our reason as a couple of opposing political parties whose policies consistently collide. And while those who’ve never met Jesus are relegated to the party of the “flesh,” anyone who’s been adopted into the Kingdom of God has the power to submit their mind to the governance of the Spirit. Though this change of affiliation will demand that worldly appetites be subdued and wrong behaviors surrendered, the dividends it pays are life and peace. Despite there being a cross required to crucify the old nature, the prosperous, overflowing existence that’s inherited as a result causes the sacrifice to pale in comparison. And once we’ve purposed to make life in the Spirit our inheritance every day, the key to seeing it manifest is to meditate on and internalize Scripture. When we choose to believe that we are who the Lord says we are rather than what the world declares, we inherit a divine abundance that transcends all earthly benefits.

My friend, let your mind be consistently governed by the Holy Spirit. Make the Word of God your first and final authority, and when you wake up each morning, invite Jesus to have dominion over your thoughts. He is the benevolent King of Heaven, and He delights in taking your burden and giving you His easy yoke. Peace is the hallmark of His administration, so you can surrender everything to Him knowing that He will bear the weight of your situation, help you fight your battles, and provide perfect rest for your soul.