“Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus” (Phil.2:5).
“Whoever says he abides in him, ought to walk in the same way in which he walked.” (1John 2:6).
Our goal as believers in Jesus Christ of Nazareth is to become like Him. Confessing and repenting of our sins is the first and vital step of being born again. However, that is just the beginning of our spiritual journey. In John 15:4 Jesus invites us to abide in Him. The above verse tells us that abiding in Jesus means walking in the same way as He walked. The life of a follower Jesus should constantly evolve into that of Christ. That means that we can no longer live according to the flesh. “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 set their minds on the things of the Spirit. For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God’s law; indeed, it cannot. Those who are in the flesh cannot please God.” (Rom.8:5-8).
Let us all take a hard look at ourselves to see to what extent we resemble Christ in our ways. It may help to reflect on our spiritual walk 2 years ago compared to what it is today. Are we still stuck in the old ways of the flesh? Have we been able to bridle our tongues, control our thoughts of anger, resentment and jealousy; are our actions to others motivated by love and have we been able to replace our pride with a humble spirit? Changing our old natures is a process that is not done overnight. It requires a conscious decision to change and ongoing work and submission to the will and commandments of the Most High Father.
The Word states: “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.” (Rom.12:2).
If you still find yourself today far from living according to the mind of Christ, then don’t despair. If this is your desire, then submit yourself to God, surrender to His will and ask Holy Spirit to guide you into growing into the mind of Christ. Do it today. The Word assures us: “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” (Matt.19:26).
My Prayer
Father AhaYah, we want to please You. Thank you that when we repent of our sins You grant us the Holy Spirit as teacher and counsellor. Father, we desire to have the mind of Christ. Please teach us to lay down our flesh and guide us in the renewing of our minds so that our lives can resemble that of Your Son and our Saviour, Jesus Christ of Nazareth. Aman.