“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.” Romans 8:5.
Paul divides people into two categories - those who are controlled by their sinful nature and those controlled by the Spirit of God. There is no in between.
One of those two forces will control our thoughts and actions. Everyone on earth would be in the first category, that is living in the flesh, if it weren’t for Jesus, who offers us a way to live by the Spirit. It will first require repentance, then a new birth. It will then require a daily reading of his holy word followed by the daily application of his word to our lives. It will also require constant communication with him (praying without ceasing).
Each of us has a choice to fundamentally alter our lives around the things of God, or the things of the world. That choice will not be forced upon us. If it is something that has crossed ones mind, that is not a coincidence.
That is the Spirit of God calling you to repentance which results in salvation. “No man can come to me (Jesus), unless the Father which has sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.” John 6:44.
Tim Wardell, Pastor Gordon Church of God