Renewal of the Mind - New Series, Part IV

As I continue renewing of the mind, I read a devotion that comes to our e-box every day by T.A. Sparks. (A man of God who now resides in heaven).   It hits the nail on the head and so I would like to share the first paragraph with you please:

Each person must be careful how he builds. (1 Corinthians 3:10 )

In other words, that which is of supreme importance is not Christian doctrine, mentally appraised and apprehended, but a living and clear spiritual apprehension of Christ. That is the work. What are you building? Are you, through a living, clear, inward, experimental relationship with the Lord Jesus, building a structure which comes out of that inward spiritual knowledge? Is it by that you are growing? Or are you growing by things said and mentally judged, appraised, dissected, accepted, and assented to? What is the nature of the building? The work in which we are engaged, to which this phrase “each man’s work” applies, is the building of Christ livingly into the very substance of our being, into the very fabric of our lives. It is not a question of getting to know a great deal about Christianity. Let us note that. The heart of the whole matter is the difference between the philosophy of Christianity, of Christian doctrine and the spiritual knowledge of Christ.

David wrote in Psalm 119 "the entrance of Your Word gives light."  It is obvious that we all start with the knowledge of God's Word entering the mind, listening with our ears, etc. but then the Holy Spirit really has to cause us to spiritually understand and assimilate God's Truth to where it affects us in our walk and being. Another reason to me why Paul wrote "knowledge puffs up, but love edifies."

And while mentioning love:  The Love of God is so wrapped up in the Person of God and His Son, Jesus Christ.  Even John the Apostle wrote this:  "...he that loves not, knows not God, for God is love."  Before that he had penned, that one who loves is born of God and knows God.  But in the next Scripture he simply tells us that whoever does not love, does not KNOW God.  He didn't say he wasn't born of God.  Christians can be born again but not walking in love.  We see this, don't we?

Being born of God is to have all the powerful potential of truly being conformed to the image of God's Son.  But there is one thing that gets in the way and has gotten in the way since man was created:  Man's will.  We don't realize it sometimes, but we are continually and daily making choices.

If we would truly and sincerely "let go" of our own ideas, way of doing things, and humbly, humbly (daily too) RECEIVE the Holy Spirit's ability to teach us all things, we will grow more spiritually, I believe.  

We do need teachers, but they really are the gift with a little "t" and we all have to return to the big "T" if we really are going to get it fully!  (The big "T" of course is the Holy Spirit of God).

I know in my heart I'm not speaking of "pie in the sky" kind of speaking things.  This is reality - for here and now too.  God sent His Son into our hearts, making us children of God, giving us His Holy Spirit, and His Word so we can know - truly know and grow.

Trusting God is powerful.  Letting go of "us" (self-will), and trusting God is even more powerful!   This is because God is SO faithful.

To keep this continually on a practical lines of HOW God is even going to accomplish this in our lives has to do with what I believe is:  detecting the lies in our minds and replacing them with the TRUTH, even on a daily basis as we continue to commune, fellowship and walk with our Lord.

Our emotions are absolutely a clue as to what we are thinking about during the day.  Feeling confused, rattled, angry, anxious, not at peace?  What am I thinking?  Thinking produces emotions.  Let us ask God for wisdom continually.

If we rely on the Lord within our hearts to guide our minds with His thoughts (no matter how much or how little we know yet of His Truth), He will download or upload (since he lives in us) His thoughts of truth, life and peace.  Having the implanted Word is totally important to our lives.

When we rely on HIM, we are indeed, demonstrating our faith and walking out our faith that we BELIEVE He LIVES and that He lives in us.  Repeat: If I continually look to Him, I am walking out faith - AND being determined that I am NOT going to rely on my "own" understanding, but on His spiritual understanding.

Good news flash:  Oh how God delights in showing us the riches of His grace and His Son.  It is the absolute delight of His heart.  ALL love and faith are found in Christ Jesus.  God delights in our faith in Him and His Son.  There is just no doubt.    And the more we do lay hold of the living Christ, yes, the more our spirits grow and we will be filled with His Truth and Spirit.  Not to mention that are minds will experience and walk out LIFE and PEACE.  This is true mind renewal and the experience God intends for us to have.

Until next time,

Sue Gaither