Carnal

In biblical terms, "carnal" refers to that which is related to the flesh or physical body, often signifying a lifestyle or mindset that is dominated by earthly, sinful desires rather than spiritual or divine influences. The term is derived from the Latin "carnalis," meaning "fleshly." In the New Testament, particularly in Paul's writings, "carnal" is frequently contrasted with the spiritual. For instance, in Romans 8:5-7, Paul describes those who live according to the flesh (carnally) as being focused on worldly things, which leads to death, while those who live according to the Spirit pursue life and peace.Moreover, in 1 Corinthians 3:1-3, Paul addresses the Corinthians as "carnal" because they were acting in ways that reflected jealousy and strife rather than maturity in faith. This indicates that being carnal can imply not just a physical existence but also a moral or spiritual deficiency, where one is influenced more by human desires and societal norms than by the teachings of Christ. The call to believers is to move beyond a carnal mindset to embrace a life led by the Spirit, aligning with God's purposes and virtues.