The Bible tells us that we have the mind of Christ, and yet it also says we are to be renewed in the spirit of our mind.
For “who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct Him?” But we have the mind of Christ. 1 Corinthians 2:16
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. Romans 12:2
In other words, we have access to the mind of Christ, as in wisdom, knowledge, and revelation. However, we must grow in this knowledge, wisdom, and revelation.
In order to do this, we have to understand what exactly the Bible is referring to by the mind.
Jesus said that we must love the Lord our God with all our heart, with all our soul, and with all our mind. Matthew 22:37
From this scripture, we can see that Jesus was referring to three different parts of our being.
The heart, or Kardia (καρδία) in Greek, refers to human emotions, personality, and volition.
The mind is the set of cognitive faculties. This includes thinking, judgment, logic, and reasoning.
The soul or pneuma in this scripture refers to the spirit, or psuchē, which is the life breath or inner self.
When we are born again, this is the part of us that is reconnected to God.
To find out more about the born-again experience, refer to my blog.
The born-again person’s human mind (Dianoia, Greek: διάνοια) is what needs renewal.
The mind is the mental faculty of reasoning, understanding, logic, analytical thought, and intellect.
This is the part of us that needs to be renewed.
To be renewed is to be made completely new and better.
The mind of the born-again person becomes renewed first of all by rejecting conformity to the world standards and ideologies that are in contradiction to God’s word, the Bible.
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. Romans 12:2
To be conformed is to be shaped by cultural influences.
The Bible tells us that our minds are to be renewed by the word of God.
This is a discipline the Christian must practice to have the mind transformed to think Christ’s thoughts. The will must agree to both read and study the word of God.
Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15
Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. Philippians 4:8
The Lord wants us to have a sound mind. That means thinking rationally, understanding good from evil and right from wrong, and fully understanding the consequences of our actions.
To learn more about this topic, please refer to my blog.
It takes time to train the mind to think like Christ. There is a maturity factor involved.
For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. Hebrews 5:14
Strong meat refers to stability, steadfastness, patience, and unwavering faith. When we mature in the mind and spirit by reason of use and exercising the word of God in practice, we develop moral character with proper perception and judgment.
Emotions are valid, but we must not be ruled by them. God wants us to love him so much that we habitually read, meditate, and practice his word. That way, when life brings storms and trials, we don’t go off the rails.
We can judge a situation correctly by understanding the word. We evaluate all circumstances by the word of God.
Circumstances may not line up with God’s word. Neither may the advice or counsel of the unsaved. While people may have degrees in this or that, they are not experts on everything. God’s word has the answer for everything we need. His word is above every other word!
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. John 17:17
The Bible tells us not to accept thoughts contrary to the word of God, but rather to believe God’s word as truth.
Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:5
For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Hebrews 4:12
Thinking contrary to the scriptures by having an undisciplined mind and body produces a worldly mind void of God’s life and blessings. Having our minds set on Jesus Christ through his word gives us peace and assurity.
We can be assured that God will do whatever he said he will do in his word.
Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen. Ephesians 3:20-21
Those who live in the flesh or lack renewed minds will falter in their faith, but those who walk in the Spirit with renewed minds will prosper spiritually.
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, the things of the Spirit. Romans 8:5
To read about walking in the Spirit, refer to this blog.
Trusting in God’s word brings peace and assurance.
And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7
You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. Isaiah 26:3
According to the scriptures, our minds need to be renewed to think like Christ.
This comes by reading and studying the word of God.
God’s word will transform us to act in accordance with Christ’s way of doing things.
This takes time and patience, but if we are diligent in practicing this discipline, we can be assured of victory over every area of our lives. We will have God’s wisdom, understanding, and revelation for all decisions, ventures, and circumstances.
We will have the mind of Christ!
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