Minute Musings...Be Renewed!

Ephesians 4:23  And be renewed in the spirit of your mind.

The 9 words in this verse hold the key to victorious Christian living.  We can be saved,
but have an unconsecrated mind.  We are told in the previous verse to, put off concerning
the former conversation of the old man.  The word conversation here means lifestyle.
The words, put off, refer to a deliberate act of our will.  We are to consciously leave
behind our old sinful lifestyle, with the Lords help of course, and let the Spirit of God
renew our minds.

Philippians 2:5 tells us, Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.
Again, take note that this verse starts with the word, Let.   This is once again a
deliberate act on our part, it is an act of submission to the Lord.  So just what was the
mind of Christ Jesus like.  It was a mind centered on the Heavenly Father and His
divine will.  It was a mind given over to service.  It was a mind of obedience and
submission to the Father.  It was a mind clothed in meekness and humility.  It was
a mind that was driven by love.  It was a mind that was constantly in a state of praise
and worship towards the Father God.

When we have a mind like our Lords, the things of this world will seem trivial.  Eternity
will be utmost in our thoughts.  The needs of those around us will drown out our own
self-centered needs.  The will of our Heavenly Father will crush our own selfish desires
and pursuits.  Our minds will be filled with praise and worship toward the King of
Kings and Lord of Lords.  Our only desire will be to glorify our Heavenly Father in
all that we say and do.

We are admonished by the Apostle Paul in Philippians 4:8, Finally, brethren, what
soever 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.

Look closely at these things;  true, honest, just, pure, lovely, good report, virtue, praise. 
These are all words that describe our wonderful Lord and Savior!  When we think 
(another deliberate act on our part) on these things, then our mind is stayed on Christ,
and it will be renewed in the Spirit of Christ!

Today, make a deliberate decision to put off your old sinful way of life, and let the
mind of Christ dwell in you!  Enjoy your victorious day in the Lord!