Not everyone thinks alike and so not everyone acts alike. The world around us lives differently than we do as Christians because it does not possess the spiritual discernment we have gained. This is why many think some of what we believe is folly and do not understand the things of the Spirit of God. (1 Corinthians 2:14) However, as we ourselves are still in the state of becoming more and more as God would have us to be, we must remain open to the reality of any life habits or ways still in need of being changed.
Someone has said, “You must master a new way to think before you can master a new way to live.” (original source unknown)
Another way this has been expressed is, “You must learn a new way to think before you can master a new way to be.” (Marianne Williamson)
As our understanding changes, so does our life. Therefore, as much has to do with “mind over matter”, it is a matter of the mind to which we need to give due consideration!
In writing to Christians at Ephesus Paul urged them to no longer walk like the Gentiles (the world) which he noted as being “in the futility of their minds” as they were “darkened in their understanding” and thus separated from God due to ignorance arising from a hardened heart. (Ephesians 4:17-18) Such a mindset leads into living contrary to the manner of holiness we have been called to in Christ. (note Ephesians 4:19) As the world thinks, so the world lives!
Paul went on to urge. . .
“(20) But that is not the way you learned Christ! — (21) assuming that you have heard about him and were taught in him, as the truth is in Jesus, (22) to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, (23) and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, (24) and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.” (Ephesians 4:20-23 ESV)
The renewal of the mind leads to the renewal of the way we live! It is the mind surrendered to being mastered by the Master of all creation that will continue to dynamically impact our way of living as the new self in Christ we are being renewed to be; “created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.” The mind mastered by God will lead us to live a life serving higher purposes than those of the world. Surrendering to having “the mind of Christ” (1 Corinthians 2:16) will lead to living in a Christlike manner. May we experience the blessing of such living to the glory of God!
Have a great day SURRENDERING MORE FULLY TO LIKEMINDEDNESS WITH GOD!
Carl
