2 Corinthians 4:16 English Standard Version (ESV) So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day.

There is no easy way to tell others how we have two operating systems. The outer self is one system, the inner self is the other. One deteriorates and the other does not. What is created in the outer does not infect the inner.

We live both in this world and in His Kingdom at the same time. One is flesh and the other spiritual. One is subjected to pain and suffering, the other does not suffer in any way.

Romans 8:6-8 English Standard Version

6 For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. 7 For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God’s law; indeed, it cannot. 8 Those who are in the flesh cannot please God.

When we set our mind on things of this world we are operating in a selfish system. When we set our mind on the spirit we are operating in the spiritual system. We live in both but our true life is found in the inner being. It is hidden in Christ. As much as we would love to operate from the inner being, all our decisions, all our actions, all our interaction with others are done via the mindset which is flesh.

Galatians 2:20 English Standard Version (ESV) I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

Living by faith is the key to how our hidden life in Christ can operate our life in the flesh. We hear by faith, we see by faith, and when our mind is set to obey Christ by faith, we are allowing Him to live our life for us.

How can we know by faith what the will of our Lord is if we cannot hear and see His will?

He is Truth. How do we know the truth that is Him in Truth?

Romans 10:17 English Standard Version (ESV) So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.

Faith is the language of both operating systems.

1 Corinthians 1:10 English Standard Version (ESV) I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment.

Do we agree with everything we hear from our brothers and sisters in Christ?

Considering that we have different gifts, different upbringings, different educations, and different personalities, it seems unreasonable to agree with everyone. Consider his next words carefully.

11 For it has been reported to me by Chloe’s people that there is quarreling among you, my brothers. 12 What I mean is that each one of you says, “I follow Paul,” or “I follow Apollos,” or “I follow Cephas,” or “I follow Christ.”

Someone within this new church has reported back to Paul on things that were troubling to them. Considering this is a new church it is reasonable to believe they are still trying to find their footing having been established by Paul and visited by Apollos and Cephas. This is not to say that any of their teaching differed from what Jesus taught.

Some people are drawn to personalities. It is style over substance in some cases. We tend to listen more closely to those who have personalities which we enjoy. We might even accept what is being said without listening to the undertones of a message.

Spiritual undertones are received in the inner being by the spirit. If we are being cerebral we might not be listening with our spiritual ears. The mind processes, reasons, judges, and analyzes to satisfy the soul. We all have to live with ourselves.

But the inner being has to be fed spiritual food and is not subject to the thoughts of the flesh. It recognizes the truth because that is where Truth abides.

We cannot expect babes in Christ to understand that and we have to allow a little bit of harmless context to be spoken without jumping on it as erroneous and dangerous. They will find their speech changes as they mature. We know this because we lived through those years ourselves.

There are essential truths that must be taught correctly. If we hinder free speech in what they understand, we will never learn how effective our teaching methods are in discipleship. We must demonstrate what has to be agreed upon and that which allows some latitude of understanding without harm.

The Holy Spirit will correct errors as they are needed to be corrected.

Be gracious in speech to our little ones, no matter how old they are.