Mind-Set
This morning my friend Kirk Weaver spoke to our Allies Men’s Breakfast. Kirk directs Family Time Ministries and provides practical guidelines and encouragement on how parents and grandparents can be a spiritual impact in the lives of their children. This afternoon I finally got a start on my 2015 tax returns. I am running later than usual in this annual obligation to the government. I am also tapering off my reduced prednisone dose. Even though it has been small, we are trying to monitor any effects on my strength and energy.
BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “For those who live according to the flesh think about the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, about the things of the Spirit. For the mind-set of the flesh is death, but the mind-set of the Spirit is life and peace. For the mind-set of the flesh is hostile to God because it does not submit itself to God’s law, for it is unable to do so.” Romans 8:5-7 HCSB
What we think on determines the focus of our life, the direction of our life and the success or failure of our life. Solomon said, “For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.” (Proverbs 23:7 NKJV) As Paul talks about a life lived by faith that is apart from the law; a life that is to be dedicated to pleasing Christ he talks about the importance of the focus of our mind and our thoughts.
Paul begins chapter 8 with some well-known encouraging words, “Therefore, no condemnation now exists for those in Christ Jesus, because the Spirit’s law of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death.” (Romans 8:1,2 HCSB) He then provides the why of that freedom from condemnation. Not only has Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law and brought us into relationship with God through Himself, but He also empowers us with a new focus.
The concepts are simple, yet impacting for our lives. When we think about the “flesh” we do what the “flesh” wants or desires. When we think about “Christ” we do what pleases Him. James talks about how the “double-minded” person being unstable in all his ways. (James 1:7) James is really talking about the person who asks God for something and then doubts. That conflict between faith and doubt creates instability. In the same way the conflict of a mind-set on the flesh and a mind-set on Christ creates instability.
Paul says, the mind-set on the flesh cannot please God or do what God wants because it creates a “hostile” attitude toward the things of God. In the same way, when a mind is set on the things of God it brings “peace and life.” Paul also wrote to the Colossians and said, “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” (Colossians 3:2 NIV)
What does it mean to “set our minds on things above” or to have a mind-set on Christ? Paul provides some practical guidelines in his letter to the Philippians.
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” (Philippians 4:8,9 NIV)
When Paul talks about setting your mind on things above he is referring to Christ’s position of being exalted in heaven. The writer to the Hebrews encourages “…let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith…” (Hebrews 12:1,2 NKJV)
To be successful in a race you keep your focus on the finish line. You don’t focus on the pain you are experiencing or how far you have to go. You focus your mind on the banner that stretches cross the finish line and that serves as your encouragement and allows everything else to be subject to the goal.
That is the way it is to be with our lives. Do you want life and peace? Do you want a focus that brings encouragement to your day. Do you want something that will help you press through the hard places of life? Have your mind-set on Christ.