"And be not conformed to this world: but
be ye transformed by the renewing of your
mind, that ye may prove what is that good,
and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."
Romans 12:2


"THINK ON THESE THINGS"

We are all born with certain hereditary characteristics and a sinful nature. Yet our minds are also quite impressionable to the influences of our environment, ready to keep a record of every thing we encounter along life's way. Stored there, many of our past experiences affect our present thoughts and actions. We must marvel at God's design in providing us with this gray matter between our ears. Our minds and those of our children are our greatest stewardship responsibilities. We must be careful about what our minds receive.

"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." Philippians 4:8

So much is available to us that poisons our minds. That was true in Paul's day too. He exhorts the Christians at Philippi to watch what they feed their minds. He encourages whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, or deserving praise, saying, "Think on these things."

"And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:7

The best nourishment for our minds is worship in the body of Christ with fellow Christians and a regular study of the Scriptures. Through them the Holy Spirit, having brought us to faith in Christ, works all good within us. And the promise holds true: "the peace of God, which passeth all understanding," will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

"Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel." Philippians 1:27

Not only our speech but our entire way of life should be a credit to the gospel of Christ. "Stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel" ~ Oh, how God's people need to stand together for the furtherance of the gospel!

"Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind." Philippians 2:2

To be of one mind is to let the mind of Christ be in you. That permits differences of expressions, differences in gifts, differences in methods of service. We won't be beating each other on the head because we disagree on these things. If we have the mind of Christ, we will agree on the major tenets of the faith.

"Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled." Titus 1:15

This verse is used by people who say that if we are saved by grace, it doesn't matter how we live. That is, if we are saved, we are pure and can live any way we like. Certain cults have developed this teaching, saying they can live in sin because "unto the pure all things are pure." What Paul is talking about here has nothing to do with moral issues at all. He is speaking to this issue of legalism and the eating of meats. Whether you eat meats or not makes no difference at all. All food is clean. If you are an unbeliever, any special diet you might concoct will make no difference in your relationship to God ~ it will not save you. You can eat all the vegetables you want, but if you are not right with God, they will not make you pure. The Lord Jesus said that it is not the thing that goes into a man that defiles him, but what comes out of him.

By permitting the Spirit of God to renew the mind, the believer will be able to test the will of God and find it good. The minute that we assume a pose and pretend to be something we are not, it is impossible for us to determine the will of God for our lives. By yielding, the will of God for the life of the believer becomes good and fits the believer's will exactly.

God Bless You All as you renew your minds with God's life-nourishing Word.
    

"Lord Dictated Them"