How to Have the Mind of Christ

Most of us are familiar with the t.v. ad that quoted, "A mind is a terrible thing to waste." It is one of the most memorable slogans in higher education.

Our minds are pretty amazing.

Here are just a few interesting facts about the brain and how we think.

 

God created us with so much potential with the detail and abilities we are given to use our brains to think. We have the ability to use our brains to produce good in life. We also can let our brains effect us and others in bad ways. We can love or hate with our minds. We can find joy or live in complete depression. These abilities are very powerful...sometimes the chemicals our bodies produce even affects our minds. What we allow our minds take in is also extremely vital.

I've been reading books and Scripture about how important it is to keep our minds steadfast on the Lord. I am learning that we need to continually seek to have the mind of Christ in order to live for Him...but first we need to know what that is.

"Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus"... Philippians 2:5

Having the mind of Christ means sharing the plan, purpose, and perspective of Christ, and it is something that all believers possess.

(Read more: http://www.gotquestions.org/mind-of-Christ.html#ixzz2ke5E0S4r)

  

Sometimes we may think we aren't worthy or able to have the mind of Christ. But the Bible speaks clearly that that's not the case.

 “For who has understood the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?” But we have the mind of Christ.

1 Corinthians 2:16

In the verses leading up to 1 Corinthians 2:16, we note some truths concerning the mind of Christ:

1) The mind of Christ stands in sharp contrast to the wisdom of man (verses 5-6).

2) The mind of Christ involves wisdom from God, once hidden but now revealed (verse 7).

3) The mind of Christ is given to believers through the Spirit of God (verses 10-12).

4) The mind of Christ cannot be understood by those without the Spirit (verse 14).

5) The mind of Christ gives believers discernment in spiritual matters (verse 15).

In order to have the mind of Christ,

1. One must have saving faith in Christ (John 1:12; 1 John 5:12). 
2. After salvation, the believer lives a life under God’s influence. The Holy Spirit indwells and enlightens the believer, infusing him with wisdom—the mind of Christ. 
3. The believer bears a responsibility to yield to the Spirit’s leading (Ephesians 4:30) and to allow the Spirit to transform and renew his mind (Romans 12:1-2).
4. Discipline yourself to spend time in the Word with the guidance of the Holy Spirit to safeguard the renewal of your mind. Because it won’t happen overnight (your existing patterns developed over many years!), patience and practice are required to consistently walk in God’s principles.

Benefits of having the mind of Christ:

1. Peace. Romans 8:6 tells us that "to be spiritually minded is life and peace." 
2. Increased intimacy with God. Isaiah 1:18 says that God wants us to come and reason with Him. He wants us to know His will for our lives (Heb. 13:21). 
3. Desire to live a life of obedience to Him. The psalmist asked God to give him understanding in keeping His laws and walking in His commandments so that he might "turn away ... from looking at worthless things" (Ps. 119:33-37). Having any mind other than Christ's causes us to live a life of disobedience and rebellion.

A couple of books I found online that also look like great reading on this subject are listed below. I may have to buy them and read up more on how to better have the mind of Christ.

May God's children

"...keep in perfect peace
    those whose minds that are steadfast,
    because they trust in You."

Isaiah 26:3

Linking over to these blog hops:

 UNITE (Rich Faith Rising)
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