The New Man Mindset
There comes a time when a change will come in our lives as men of the kingdom. This change will either come abruptly or gradually. In any case, it probably will be noticed by others before we realize what is going on. Keep this in mind... the change will first take place in the way we think. One's mindset has to change before our behavior will be affected.
Remember what the Apostle Paul wrote:
"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God; which is your reasonable service. 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 12:1 & 2
When change comes, we must realize that it doesn't come over night. Transformation comes through a period of time and there will be "setbacks". Be patient and allow it to run it's course. Nothing worth having comes easy, but the rewards are worth the effort. If we stay in the word of God, we will become sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit. He will show us our purpose. Keep this thought in mind.... We have to study the Word and allow it to saturate every fiber of our mind and heart. This is the beginning of change. From this point on our thoughts and behavior will definitely begin to change, give us a new mindset and set us on the path to fulfill our purpose in God's kingdom.
conformed-- to be or become similar in form, nature or character... to act in accord with the prevailing standards, attitudes
transformed-- to change in condition, nature or character; convert...metamorphosed
Remember what the Apostle Paul wrote:
"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God; which is your reasonable service. 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 12:1 & 2
When change comes, we must realize that it doesn't come over night. Transformation comes through a period of time and there will be "setbacks". Be patient and allow it to run it's course. Nothing worth having comes easy, but the rewards are worth the effort. If we stay in the word of God, we will become sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit. He will show us our purpose. Keep this thought in mind.... We have to study the Word and allow it to saturate every fiber of our mind and heart. This is the beginning of change. From this point on our thoughts and behavior will definitely begin to change, give us a new mindset and set us on the path to fulfill our purpose in God's kingdom.
conformed-- to be or become similar in form, nature or character... to act in accord with the prevailing standards, attitudes
transformed-- to change in condition, nature or character; convert...metamorphosed
Thoughts to Live By
Do you know why you were born? Have you ever asked yourself that question? Believe it or not, you were put here to glorify God. This means that whatever you do or say should be leading to that purpose. Whether you are a fireman, policeman, doctor, lawyer, dentist, custodian or cashier you should always give God the glory.
Keep in mind what the word of God says:
"Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God" ~~ I Corinthians 10:31. Whatever you think of or let occupy your mind most is the thing or person that will take first place in your life. This is one reason that we, as Kingdom men, should constantly read and study the word of the living God--to meditate on it day and night.
"Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." ~~ II Timothy 2:15
As you begin to walk as a kingdom man, your life will begin to change. You will develop an appetite for things that are productive, right and good. By the way, always ask your Heavenly Father for more wisdom and understanding of His word; especially in dealing with people. Keep this in your thoughts: Everything that we are is a learned trait. We are the sum total of everything that we have been taught and have learned. It is said that "you are what you eat" but more accurately "you are what you THINK".
Keep in mind what the word of God says:
"Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God" ~~ I Corinthians 10:31. Whatever you think of or let occupy your mind most is the thing or person that will take first place in your life. This is one reason that we, as Kingdom men, should constantly read and study the word of the living God--to meditate on it day and night.
"Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." ~~ II Timothy 2:15
As you begin to walk as a kingdom man, your life will begin to change. You will develop an appetite for things that are productive, right and good. By the way, always ask your Heavenly Father for more wisdom and understanding of His word; especially in dealing with people. Keep this in your thoughts: Everything that we are is a learned trait. We are the sum total of everything that we have been taught and have learned. It is said that "you are what you eat" but more accurately "you are what you THINK".
Living With a Changed Mind
In order for us to grow in maturity and in character, we must first gather new information to reach the level we have set for ourselves. We can't allow every piece of information to occupy our mind. Television, radio and what we gather from our computers can be a serious distraction. Like everything else, we have to learn how to filter this information that comes into our minds.
By studying God's word on a consistent basis, we begin to grow in maturity, character, integrity and--most of all--faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Which, by the way, is the bottom line since He is the one who gave His life for us.
Peter wrote to the saints in Asia Minor (present-day Turkey):
I Peter 1:13 "Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ"
By studying God's word on a consistent basis, we begin to grow in maturity, character, integrity and--most of all--faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Which, by the way, is the bottom line since He is the one who gave His life for us.
Peter wrote to the saints in Asia Minor (present-day Turkey):
I Peter 1:13 "Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ"
Focus and Run the Race
Just as people in biblical times would gather up their long robes and tie them around their waists so that they could move quickly and freely, we need to do whatever it takes to focus our thoughts on those things that allow us to serve God successfully; all the while eliminating any thoughts that would trip us up.
I leave you with this scripture to meditate on:
Hebrews 12:1 "Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside EVERY weight and the sins which so easily ensnare us and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us"
I leave you with this scripture to meditate on:
Hebrews 12:1 "Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside EVERY weight and the sins which so easily ensnare us and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us"
