As we pursue doable spiritual formation, one of the first places we start is with our minds.
I used to think that hard work and determination was the only path to change. I used to think that I didn’t need Jesus to be Lord of my life, just a helpful resource in times of need. I used to think that only certain aspects of life could benefit from Christ and his kingdom. But I have changed my thinking.
As much as Christians talk about their feelings and emotions, it is their thinking that is the most important element to a transformed life.
The New Living Translation takes a familiar verse about renewing our mind and phrases it this way:
Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Romans 12: 2
Jesus turns the world’s way of thinking upside down. Everything we think is important as feeble humans is turned on its head by Jesus’ life and teaching. Jesus presents a radical way of thinking about the world.
Here are three steps to changing your thinking:
1. Read the Gospels. This is the only way that we can understand how Christ wants us to think.
2. Memorize scripture. Pick a verse such as Galatians 2:20 and put it to memory.
3. Pray for new thinking. What area of your life do you struggle with negative or destructive thinking? Ask God to change your thinking to see this part of your life the way that he does.
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