The Mind and Thoughts of Christ: Transforming Our Thinking
January 28, 2024
The Mind and Thoughts of Christ: Transforming Our Thinking
With Bishop Ronald K. Powell
Brothers and sisters in Christ, we gather today to delve into the sacred mystery of the mind of Christ. It is a realm of perfect love, unwavering faith, and boundless wisdom, a wellspring from which we can draw to transform our own thoughts and lives.
The Scriptures paint a vivid picture of Jesus’ inner world. In Philippians 2:5, we are urged to adopt “the same attitude as that of Christ Jesus, who, with God being in his very nature, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited.” This verse reveals a mind free from ego and self-preservation, focused instead on humility and service.
In John 14:7, Jesus declares, “Whoever has seen me has seen the Father.” This profound statement speaks to a mind in perfect alignment with God’s will, reflecting divine love and compassion in every thought and action.
But how can we, mere mortals, hope to attain such a mind? The answer lies in Romans 12:2: “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.”
Here, we are called to break free from the limitations of worldly thinking, shaped by fear, judgment, and self-interest. Instead, we are invited to immerse ourselves in the transformative power of God’s word. Through prayer, meditation, and the study of Scripture, we allow the mind of Christ to seep into our own, reshaping our perspectives and priorities.
This is not a passive process. As Ephesians 4:23 instructs, we must “be made new in the attitude of your minds.” This requires active effort, challenging negative thought patterns, replacing them with the fruits of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
The transformation of our minds is not merely an individual pursuit. It is the foundation for building a community of Christ-like believers. As we learn to think like Jesus, we naturally develop empathy, understanding, and forgiveness towards one another. We become agents of reconciliation, spreading peace and love in a world desperately in need of both.
The journey towards the mind of Christ is lifelong, filled with challenges and setbacks. But let us remember the words of 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.”
By focusing on what is good and true, by aligning our thoughts with the divine light that shines within Jesus, we gradually become transformed. Our minds become vessels of grace, reflecting God’s love to the world around us.
So, brothers and sisters, let us open our hearts and minds to the transformative power of Christ’s thoughts. Let us embrace the journey of renewal, allowing His perfect love and wisdom to reshape our inner landscape. And as we do, may we become living testaments to the power of a mind made new in Christ.
May God Bless You All,
Amen.
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