Monday, July 7, 2014

Thinking, For a Change?

“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.”
Romans 12:2
 
 
“Recidivism”
 Now that’s’ a $10.00 word.
But what does it mean?
The dictionary defines it this way:
“a tendency to relapse into a previous condition or mode of behavior;”
Maybe a word we are more familiar with would help – what if I said “backsliding”?
What causes one who is born again to backslide?
Why do so many Christians seem to struggle with living for God?
What is it that keeps us returning to our old ways and old patterns of living?
Could it be that we are trying to live in a new Kingdom with an old kingdom mindset?
Like the ex-con who returns to the old neighborhood, the same old friends and the behaviors that sent him to prison in the first place we cannot live for God with the devil as our constant meditation.   
It just won’t work!
Jesus astounded His listeners many times by the things He said.
Did He do it just to be controversial?
Was He trying to antagonize them?
No, He just thought differently.
“My thoughts are not your thoughts….”
His thoughts were focused and originated in a different Kingdom than His listeners.
If we don’t want to ‘backslide’ we must change our thinking.
Our minds must be renewed.
Salvation happens in a moment.
Renewing our minds is just a wee bit longer!
Lets’ examine that process – not to swell our brain but to transform our lives!
See you tomorrow…
 

No comments: