Dear Ones:
When we read a passage in Scripture like 2 Corinthians 10:3-5, we are persuaded that the battle field for the Christian is the mind. “…Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every THOUGHT to the obedience of Christ.” (v.5) So, it is reasonable to see that the mind, what is in that mind (truth), and the attitude in conjunction with the truth is so very important.
Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 2:16, “…we HAVE the mind of Christ.” What a most extraordinary statement. First we see that the battleground in our conflict with the enemy is IN the mind, and then we see that we HAVE the very mind of Christ, the truth and the power of that attitude. In our approach as Christians to every subject, and issue of life, it is imperative that we always begin with the finished work of Christ, and His very Person, who is the beginning and the end…the very essence of Christianity…Christ our life. The work of the Father, by the Spirit, has placed us IN Christ, made us complete in Him, indeed one with Him. We begin our consideration of the “heavenly mind,” by seeing that we are in living union with One whose mind is perfect and heavenly. This union makes all things possible in our communion with Him.
In Philippians 2, Paul writes, “…Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus…” We are called to not only to HAVE (positionally in our union with Christ) the mind of Christ, but practically to believe, and receive what this mind is and means. It is first one of exclusiveness. By this I mean that, our taking it and living by it does not depend upon the understanding by those around us. We are individually called to “…mind the things of the Spirit.” Secondly, there is no seeking of a “reputation” with respect to such a status of belonging to the Lord. On the contrary, Christ came to minister not to be ministered to. We are to follow in His steps and take upon ourselves the form of a servant. Out of a life of communion with God, we are to serve others for His sake. Thirdly, heavenly thinking is characterized by meekness and lowliness, so that, with all of our limitations and failings, we humbly follow the One who has called us out of darkness into His most marvelous light. The heavenly mind is one which minds heavenly things, “…set your affection (mind) on things above, and not on things on the earth.” (Col. 3:2) To summarize, it is first a mind looking heavenward, and receiving from heaven Christ’s thoughts and enablement. It is secondly, following Him, and ministering to those around us, seeking no reputation, nor glory. On the contrary, we are to “…let each esteem other better than themselves.” (Phil. 2:3) It is as we are truly heavenly minded, that we shall be of much earthly good.
“May the mind of Christ my Savior live in me from day to day, by His love and pow’r controlling all I do and say.”
“May the love of Jesus fill me, As the waters fill the sea; Him exalting, self abasing, This is victory.
Love, Dad