THE MIND OF CHRIST

(Scripture from the KJV)

– For who has known the mind of the Lord – that he may instruct Him? But we have the mind of Christ. – 1 Corinthians 2:16

Jesus Christ was far from being a people pleaser. However, He carried Himself and taught in such a way that most other people – including those who did not like Him or who questioned Him – still listened. Whether they agreed or disagreed, they still wanted to know more – not less. Although all believers are “born again” at a different time – and we are all at different stages in our spiritual growth – we should be continually striving to develop the mind of Christ.

This can only be done through the Holy Ghost teaching us how to compare spiritual things with the spiritual (1 Corinthians 2:13). So that we may begin to carry ourselves and teach in such a way that most other people – including those who do not like us or who question us – still listen. Whether they agree or disagree, they still want to know more – not less.

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BETTER DAYS

– Let us search and try our ways, and turn again to the Lord. Let us lift up our hands unto God in the heavens. – Lamentations 3:40-41

Does anyone honestly believe that better days for America and the world are permanently coming down the road simply by who gets elected into power – and who does not? To me at least, the track record of humanity to date speaks pretty loudly to man’s flawed, failed, and sinful ways – and does not point in a very positive direction for the future. Man’s ways are not working.

Still, some will continue to hammer out peace accord after peace accord – that are worth about as much as the paper they are written on. Many will continue to use all this amazing knowledge we’ve accumulated to somehow “figure” everything out for the better – once and for all. All the while, God will often become the scapegoat when bad things happen. In part, because of what seems to be a growing pervasiveness and persistence of self-perceived goodness among many people – including Christians (Mark 10:18).

However, man has sold out for the knowledge of good and evil since the days of Adam and Eve (Genesis 3:5). With all of our knowledge of evil, we have learned how to make atom bombs, nuclear warheads, and chemical weapons. One accident alone with any of these could potentially wipe out hundreds of thousands. And, our knowledge of good seems to be more centered around an earthly gospel of temporary and fleeting affluence, wealth, and success – than the gospel Christ came to preach – the eternal kingdom of God and everlasting life (Matthew 4:23, Matthew 9:35, Matthew 24:14, Mark 1:14-15).

In the Bible, Daniel warns that in the last days, many will be running to and fro – and knowledge will be increased (Daniel 12:4). People will be seeking a sign of these times and there shall be none – the signs are already throughout Scripture (Mark 8:12). Some, including believers – will develop itching ears – and turn those ears from the truth of Christ (2 Timothy 4:3-4). Searching perhaps for better days on earth for a season – and a broader and easier road to them – rather than the narrow and more difficult way that leads to better days for all of eternity (Matthew 7:13-14).

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LET IT BE

(Scripture from the NKJV and KJV)

– Yea, before the day was I am He; and there is none that can deliver out of My hand: I will work, and who shall let it? – Isaiah 43:13

God does not need our help – He will work and who will let it? We can often behave as believers as if what we are doing for Him – outside of simply spreading the seed of His word (Mark 4:14, Luke 8:11) – is something that is too hard for Him to do (Genesis 18:14). Or, perhaps it’s something He just has not thought of yet which requires our finite and flawed human wisdom and intellect to figure out and accomplish.

This can often be the cause for Christian frustration and discouragement. We try to do more than just sow seeds – and become the authors of our own confusion (1 Corinthians 14:33). Just because we are involved with the church and doing things “for Him” – does not always indicate it has God’s heavenly approval and endorsement. Nor does it mean He is automatically going to bless our work the way we may expect. It can have tragic outcomes.

A great Biblical example of this can be found in 1 Chronicles 13:1-14. David and his congregation did what they believed was right for God in their own eyes – but not His – in trying to bring the Ark of the Covenant back to Jerusalem (1 Chronicles 13:4). It was going to be the cause for a great celebration and party. What could go wrong with that? And yet someone lost their life because of it (1 Chronicles 13:9-10). So, did they really do it for God – or for themselves?

We must do what is right in God’s eyes first – always (Deuteronomy 13:18, Mark 12:28-31). Our Father’s counsel will stand and He will do all He pleases – whether we want Him to or not (Isaiah 46:10). God’s Word will go forth from His mouth and not return to Him void – but will accomplish what He desires (Isaiah 55:11). The Lord alone decides what any seed – physical or spiritual – ever becomes (1 Corinthians 15:36-38), The Almighty’s harvest field is this entire world; not just our own little ones (Ecclesiastes 5:9). So, get up each day – love the Lord will all your hearts, souls, minds, and strength; love your neighbor as yourself – and let everything else be.

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