THE CHRISTIAN MIND

Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth, (Colossians 3:2 ESV)

I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways. (Psalm 119:15 ESV)

My college philosophy professor once said, “The man who does not know truth will not recognize evil when it comes. The man who knows truth will also know evil.” It is through the mind of Christ that we know truth. Paul writes in Romans, “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 12:1-2 ESV)

Natural man is born with the predisposition to set his mind on desiring the pleasures of this world, even though they bring him sorrow. (Romans 8:5-6 ESV) If a man is born again, he has access to the mind of Christ in a way which was impossible before the Holy Spirit came to dwell in him. (1 Corinthians 2:16 ESV) This partnership of the Holy Spirit and man seeks the wisdom of Christ in order to live a holy life like Jesus. Such wisdom enables us to avoid vain “philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.” (Colossians 2:8 ESV)

An undisciplined mind will not produce wisdom or holiness. Undisciplined thinking always favors evil. Anchoring our minds in the mind of Christ enables us to apply God’s Word to the decisions we make in life. Many say they embrace Christianity while neglecting the development of the Christian mind. Jesus, however, reminds us, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” (Matthew 22:37 ESV)

If we are to be Christians who, “destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ,” we must put in the required mental effort. (2 Corinthians 10:5 ESV) The Holy Spirit will not download the complete content of the Bible into our heads while we sleep.

The Bible is the greatest source of wisdom and knowledge in this world. “The whole counsel of God concerning all things necessary for His own glory, man’s salvation, faith and life, is either expressly set down in Scripture, or by good and necessary consequence may be deduced from Scripture …” (The Westminster Confession of Faith, chapter 1, article 6) God’s will is found in the thorough study of Scripture.

If we would have the mind of Christ, the Holy Spirit must enable us and we must diligently read and study the Bible. We must meditate on God’s precepts and fix our eyes on His ways. (Psalm 119:15 ESV) We must be constant in prayer; asking for wisdom because God will give it. (James 1:5 ESV) Consider this promise: “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:31-32 ESV)

Think about this: Are you abiding in God’s Word? Do you desire to know the truth? Are you pursuing wisdom and holiness? Are you free?

 

*Beginning Tuesday, February 17th, I will post articles that I have authored once a week on Tuesdays. During the remainder of the week, I will continue to post articles and quotes from some of the great Christian thinkers and preachers of the past – as well as the present.

Grace to you,

Samuel