Don’t Sit Passively By

Today’s blog post is contributed by David Trotta:

I remember when my kids were young and they would come home from school upset about a bad grade on a test.  I would then ask if they studied.  Their response would often be no, to which I would reply, “then what did you expect?”

The bible exhorts us to renew our mind.  It is key to living a fruitful, spirit-led life.  However, the renewing of our mind won’t happen by chance.  Scripture repeatedly provides actions that we must take to foster that renewal.  Here are a few examples:

·         Set your mind on things above (Colossians 3:2)

·         Take captive of your thoughts and make them obedience to Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5)

·         Acknowledge me in all your ways (Proverbs 3:6)

·         Put on the new self, which is being renewed (Colossians 3:10)

·         Be sober-minded (I Peter 5:8)

All of the above verses contain an action verb, meaning we have to choose to align our thoughts with God.  Set, take, put on, be, acknowledge – those all represent actions we must take.

We can’t sit passively by.  The world’s influence is too strong.  If we become passive, our thoughts will be overtaken with desires that are contrary to the will of God.

The fruits of a renewed mind under the influence of the Holy Spirit are love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. (Galatians 5:22-23)

If you were to take a test on how evident those fruits are in your life, how would you score?  If you’re not taking steps to renew your mind, don’t be surprised if you score poorly.