One thing I am completely sure of is that God can transform your life and renew your mind to think more like Christ. He did that for me.
In conversation about such things one day, I had a friend ask me how I went from such a low place and poor view of myself to having the right mindset I do now.
Not realizing it at the time, the Holy Spirit was guiding me through four significant steps that ultimately brought me out of the depressed state I was in. Simply put, they are Pray, Act Like A Follower Of Christ, Renew Your Mind and Know Who You Are!
God has an important plan for each of us that can not be carried out when are consumed with feelings of unworthiness.
This is not how God intended for us to live, this gives Satan a foothold and prevents the growth of God's kingdom. Your Life has meaning and a purpose. You are not accidentally here at this point in time wandering around aimlessly without true reason. He gave you hopes, dreams and desires; He crafted carefully the way you look and sound. Your personality and idiosyncrasies are all designed marvelously by the one who loves you the most.
If you are ready to make the decision to stop believing Satan and his lies, I would be honored to guide you with the help from the Holy Spirit into realizing your life with the fullness of God! Start Walking ...
Pray and keep the faith —
Prayer is everything but often the last thing we think to do. In reality, though, it is a gift from God that he desires to spend time with us. Prayer is an act of obedience, a worshipful demonstration of love and trust. Also, prayer allows us an incredible time to rest in his presence. The most powerful and effective weapon against Satan and his schemes is prayer.
For all these reasons, we are instructed to do so without ceasing and unequivocally as a way to remain faithful. "Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. " 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
When I read this verse, it makes me think about how much God truly desires a relationship with us. He wants communion with us through the entire day and not just at specific times we deem appropriate or convenient. Our prayers to Him need not be like beggars to an unknown being. We are His children, He loves us and wants to give us good gifts. “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. “Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! " Matthew 7:7-11
When we speak to Him it should be in faith knowing that His answer will always be yes, if what we ask for is for our good. And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28When He says no or not yet, we accept with faith believing that it is out of His love and His infinite wisdom that only He possess. “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the LORD. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. " Isaiah 55:8-9
Act Like A Christ Follower—
Assuredly we will interact with unbelievers in this life, and they are paying close attention to our words, our reactions, our moods, and everything about us, hoping to discredit our Lord. “Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did.” 1 John 2:6
While we know sin is inevitable in all
our lives and that Jesus forgives those who accept him as their Lord, the unbeliever does not have this knowledge. It becomes imperative we exude the fruits of the Spirit, asking God to help us reflect his character to the world.
" But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. " Galatians 5:22-23
Perfection is not possible, but we can strive to be more like Christ with each day, prayerful that the good they see in us will bring glory to God.
"Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. " Ephesians 5:1-2
Renew your mind and fill your cup —
It’s impossible to have a holy mindset when we take in all things unholy. The power our minds have over our overall well-being is incredible and the reason Satan continually whispers his lies.
We become susceptible to those lies when we ignore the power of the Holy Spirit and consume only secular things. How can we renew our minds to think more like Christ when we are flooded with the wrong information? "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit. " Psalm 51:10-12
We have the Word of God to fill our minds with all the truth needed to navigate life in this temporary home. Take it in, meditate on it, and memorize it. Transformation of our minds and hearts will be inevitable and clearly evident to those who know us.
“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.”
Philippians 4:8
Know Who You Are –
Jesus was invariably opposed, ridiculed, and mocked each time he spoke publicly. Yet, he never faltered or seemed offended in any way. In times when I have felt rejected, I found comfort in knowing that Jesus experienced rejection, too. Knowing he can empathize with my struggle provides great comfort, and I stay in awe of his ability to remain strong in those times of direct opposition. " See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him." 1 John 3:1
Even though he is God, in his time on Earth he was fully man. Jesus knew exactly who he was. He was completely confident in his identity, knew his purpose, and had no inkling of doubt about it. His only concern was to do the will of his Father, and the opinions and comments from others did not matter. I pray for this level of self-assurance for all Christians. Imagine the boldness we could possess when we know exactly who we are and whose we are! " But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light." 1 Peter 2:9
"Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings." Psalm 17:8
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Great Read and great advice