Ignorance of the Word
There are times when the Bible seems to send two different messages. In 1 Corinthians 3:1, combined with 1 Corinthians 1:2, Paul calls the church 'carnal saints'. Here, Paul says being carnally minded is working against God. Which is it? This is a perfect example of rightly dividing the word.
The short answer is it's all correct. A carnal mind is one that still thinks like the world in some areas. These are areas that, for whatever reason, we hold onto, not letting God into these areas. This is often done through ignorance of the word and not feeling the need to change.
Before you became a Christian, you may have smoked, drank, swore, and partied like no other. After you came to Jesus, those desires were still in you. While none of them represent God's best, doing them won't keep you out of heaven. I'm definitely not picking on anyone. You may not do any of those, but you may have a bad temper, hold grudges, are lazy, or trample other people's feelings.
We are all works in progress, so cut people some slack. And while you are at it, don't be so hard on yourself. If you seek God In certain areas, He is faithful to help in those areas. The one thing He won't do is interfere in areas where He hasn't been invited.
By Rick “Papa” Wilson