Romans 8:5 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.
A hedonist is someone who believes that the pursuit of pleasure is the most important thing in life. It is someone who lives exclusively for the desires of the flesh. They are seeking pleasure for themselves, not for others. They don’t care much about others.
Romans 8:6 The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.
The Spirit desires us to live for others–how we can help them, how we can love them, how we can lift them up. I don’t think the Spirit desires us to lift others at our own expense, but I think the focus is outward, on shining God’s light for all.
Romans 8:7 The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so.
Precious Savior, The world tells us to put ourselves first, make ourselves happy, even at the expense of others. You tell us that that is not the way to live, to love. I truly believe that life is about balance. I have to take care of myself, but I should uplift and help others as well. Help me to do all these things through You, with You, and in You. Amen.
Romans 8:8 Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God.
Have a blessed day.