Faith & Purpose Today
A Daily Devotional By Larry
Spiritual Work Requires Spiritual People
November 19th, 2025.
Romans 8:5–6 (NIV) – “Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.”
God’s work is spiritual, and it requires spiritual people to carry it out. You cannot fulfill a divine assignment with a carnal mindset. Romans 8:5–6 draws a clear line between two kinds of people—those governed by the flesh and those governed by the Spirit. The former are driven by worldly desires, while the latter are aligned with heaven’s agenda.
This is why spirituality is not optional for anyone called to serve. You’ve been chosen to execute a spiritual assignment, and that means you must be spiritually equipped. You cannot give what you do not have. In Acts 3:6, Peter says to the lame man, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” Peter didn’t offer money—he offered power. He gave what he had, and what he had came from a life rooted in the Spirit.
The spiritual man is not just someone who prays or reads Scripture occasionally. According to 1 Corinthians 2:11–14, the spiritual man discerns the things of God. He understands divine mysteries and operates with spiritual authority. The carnal man, on the other hand, cannot grasp spiritual truths. They seem foolish to him because he lacks the Spirit’s illumination.
This is why James 4:4 warns us: “Friendship with the world means enmity against God.” You cannot be entangled with worldly values and expect to be effective in God’s hands. The world promotes self, comfort, and compromise. The Spirit promotes surrender, holiness, and truth.
To serve your generation like David did, you must be spiritually minded. You must cultivate a life that is governed by the Spirit, not by the flesh. This means daily choices—what you consume, how you think, who you surround yourself with, and how you respond to God’s voice.
Spiritual work demands spiritual depth. It requires discernment, purity, and power. You cannot fake it. You must become it. And the good news is, God has given us His Spirit to help us. You are not alone in this journey. The Holy Spirit is your teacher, your guide, and your strength.
So today, examine your spiritual posture. Are you governed by the flesh or by the Spirit? Are you equipped to give what God has called you to release? The assignment is spiritual—so must you be.
Prayer
Holy Spirit, I surrender to Your leadership. Help me to live not by the flesh, but by Your power. Transform my mind, purify my heart, and equip me to carry out the spiritual assignment You’ve entrusted to me. Make me a vessel fit for Your use. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Reflection Question
What areas of your life are still governed by the flesh—and how can you surrender them to the Spirit today?
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