Romans 8, Choosing To Be Led Over Being Driven

Chapter 8 of Romans contains many treasures.  To discern these treasures we must appreciate the difference between our carnal nature’s love of the knowledge of good and evil compared to its love for the Tree of Life.

For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.  Romans 8:6

We use our carnal mindedness so often to serve God!  We need to fully understand the verse: “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.”  Romans 8:14

If we are sons of God, we are not given a choice. One cannot lead and follow at the same time.  The key principle is found in the word “led.”  To be “led,” it is imperative that one must follow. To be spiritually minded is to be submissive enough to follow. In contrast, our knowledge of good and evil is not content to follow.  Instead, it drives us.  We can sense it behind us with its fleshly energy bossing us here, there and everywhere.

When we are led by the Spirit of God we naturally behave as adopted children and cry, “Abba, Father.”  With childlike submissiveness we know not where to go without the leading of our Lord.  When we are driven by our knowledge of good and evil we are driven by shame, fear and pride.  When we follow Christ we are led by His love.