Phil 2:5 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:
What is a mindset? I believe it can be grasped by likening it to a grid pattern, or a piece of graph paper. Each line on that pattern is placed there specifically and as the various lines cross one another they create points on the grid. Likening this to the way we think or our mindset, all of our experiences up to now form these grid points, all of the data or knowledge we have gathered up to now also create the pattern on the grid. When we mis interpret data and misunderstand something we have created what I call a broken grid, likewise if we believe something that is not true that also is a broken grid. How much of the grid pattern of our lives has been conformed to the truth of God's Word reveals how much we have attained the mindset of Christ. Conversely how much of our thinking has its root in the pattern of the world and the influence of culture instead of the truths of God's Word?
The process of renewing the mind is just that, a process. When we renew something like the finish on furniture or the nail polish on fingernails we first have to remove the old by sanding or using a solvent to remove all residue of the former finish. Then we can apply the new. Adding the new on top of the old does not work, it creates a mess. Likewise in our lives we need to dismantle the old patterns of thinking and replace them with the truth. We need to be willing to recognize the broken grids we have developed in our thinking process and uproot the lie at the heart of that harmful pattern and replace it with the truth found in God's Word. Thusly renewing our minds.
Romans 12:1-2 Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
and further
2 Corinthians 10:4-5 The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.
APPLICATION
Today I will memorize:
Philippians 4:8
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
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