SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1234

“Mindset”

In order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. 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. – Romans 8:4-7

A mindset is defined as the established set of attitudes and beliefs held by someone. Our mindset drives our behavior. A mindset on the things of this world behaves in hostility toward God through willful sin. A mindset based on the eternal Kingdom of God behaves as a citizen of heaven seeking to reject sin and live in obedience to Christ.

A mindset based on the flesh cannot please God. Jesus was firm in His rebuke of Peter.

But he turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a hindrance to me. For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man.” – Matthew 16:23

A mindset that rejects God and embraces the sin of the world results in an unrepentant, hardened heart.

And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done. – Romans 1:28

The greatest defense against our propensity for sin while in the flesh is to have a Christian mindset, that is the mind of Christ.

… But we have the mind of Christ. – 1 Corinthians 2:16

A Christian mindset trusts in the Lord and is peaceful.

You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. – Isaiah 26:3

A Christian mindset is obedient to God out of love for Him.

And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. – Matthew 22:37

A Christian mindset follows Jesus’ example of humility and selfless service to others.

Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. – Philippians 2:5-8

And Jesus called them to him and said to them, “You know that those who are considered rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” – Mark 10:42-45

How steadfast is your Christian mindset?

How stable is your Christian walk?

Is your Christian mindset compromised – being double-minded with the things of the world and the Kingdom of God – like feet of clay and iron that cannot stand firm and walk with stability in following Jesus.

Prayerfully ask the Lord to prove your mindset.

… Prove me, O Lord, and try me; test my heart and my mind. For your steadfast love is before my eyes, and I walk in your faithfulness. – Psalm 26:1-3

Prayerfully ask the Holy Spirit to transform and renew your mind.

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. – Romans 12:2

May your mindset and thinking be steadfast and solidly rooted in the mind of Christ.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. – Philippians 4:8