ACCORDING TO THE BIBLE, HOW SHOULD WE DEVELOP OUR MIND?
BIBLE READING: Romans 12:1-8
KEY BIBLE VERSE: Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will know what God wants you to do, and you will know how good and pleasing and perfect his will really is. (Romans 12:2)
OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD NEEDS TO INFLUENCE THE WAY WE THINK.
Christians are told, “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world,” which are usually selfish and often corrupting. Many Christians wisely decide that much worldly behavior is off limits for them. Our refusal to conform to this world’s values, however, must go even deeper than the level of behavior and customs-it must be firmly planted in our mind. It is possible to avoid most worldly customs and still be proud, covetous, selfish, stubborn, and arrogant. Only when the Holy Spirit renews, reeducates, and redirects our mind are we truly transformed (see Romans 8:5).
BIBLE READING: 1 Corinthians 2:6-16
KEY BIBLE VERSE: We who have the Spirit understand these things, but others can’t understand us at all. How could they? For, “Who can know what the Lord is thinking? Who can give him counsel?” But we can understand these things, for we have the mind of Christ. (1 Corinthians 2:15-16)
AS CHRISTIANS, WE SHOULD HAVE THE “MIND OF CHRIST."
No one can comprehend God (Romans 11:34), but through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, believers have insight into some of God’s plans, thoughts, and actions-they, in fact, have the “mind of Christ.” Through the Holy Spirit we can begin to know God’s thoughts, talk with him, and expect his answers to our prayers. Are you spending enough time with Christ to have his very mind in you? An intimate relationship with Christ comes only from spending time consistently in his presence and in his Word.
BIBLE READING: Philippians 2:1-11
KEY BIBLE VERSE: Your attitude should be the same that Christ Jesus had. (Philippians 2:5)
THE CHRISTIAN MIND IS CHARACTERIZED BY HUMILITY.
Jesus Christ was humble, willing to give up his rights in order to obey God and serve people. Like Christ, we should have a servant’s attitude, serving out of love for God and for others, not out of guilt or fear. Remember, you can choose your attitude. You can approach life expecting to be served, or you can look for opportunities to serve others. (See Mark 10:45 for more on Christ’s attitude of servanthood.)
BIBLE READING: Philippians 4:1-9
KEY BIBLE VERSE: Dear brothers and sisters, let me say one more thing as I close this letter. Fix your thoughts on what is true and honorable and right. Think about things that are pure and lovely and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. (Philippians 4:8)
THE CHRISTIAN MIND IS CHARACTERIZED BY PURITY AND TRUTH.
What you put into your mind determines what comes out in your words and actions. Paul tells us to program our mind with thoughts that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy. Do you have problems with impure thoughts and daydreams? Examine what you are putting into your mind through television, books, conversations, movies, and magazines. Replace harmful input with wholesome material. Above all, read God’s Word and pray. Ask God to help you focus your mind on what is good and pure. It takes practice, but it can be done.