We
have the Mind of Christ; however, God's Word admonishes us to put on the mind
of Christ (Philippians 2:5). This sounds like a contradiction at first glance;
yet it is not.
We
already have the mind of Christ, because He abides with and in us. We have to
put on the mind of Christ, because we usually default to our human reasoning
throughout the day, and ignore the mind of Christ within us.
One
key to living through the mind of Christ is to focus our affections on
heavenly, spiritual aspects of life, rather than on carnal, earthly pursuits
(Colossians 3:2). The spiritual issues are higher and more lasting than the worldly
ones.
We
overcome the temptation to sin by seeking the will of God in each moment of our
life. God helps us avoid sin too by giving us a way of escape (1 Corinthians
10:13). As we regulate our thoughts (1 Peter 1:13), we live in victory over negative
emotions and behavior.
We
can also make resolutions on how we will act in times of temptation, using
scripture to renew our mind, and to cement these decisions in our everyday
thoughts (Romans 12:2). This is an on-going process that is facilitated by putting
on the mind of Christ (Philippians 4:8).
Taking
time to look up Bible verses, which pertain to overcoming the sins that so
easily trap us, we write the scripture down, and post them in prominent places
in our home. This practice enables us to put on the mind of Christ; and God's
Spirit will give us the power to defeat sin.
Prayer:
Father
God, we are so grateful that You allowed Your Word to become flesh and to dwell
on this earth (John 1:14). He experienced all of the temptations and trials of
this life that we do, and He is our High Priest within us who enables us to
overcome sin as well (Hebrews 4:15). He purposed in His heart to live in
obedience to You in all things, and we can too (Luke 9:51).
Jesus
humbled Himself (Philippians 2:8) and obeyed You, even to the point of enduring
crucifixion and death in the prime of His life. He gave us an example to humble
our self and to live in service to those You place in our life (John 13:7 to
14:7). Help us to follow His example by adopting His way of viewing life,
instead of our human pursuits.
Thought
for the Day:
As
we change our attitude, goals and decision to line up with the will of God for
our life, we follow the example Jesus gave us to humble our self even to the
point of death; we listen to His mind within us rather than to follow the
dictates of our earthly, carnal nature.
