The Right State of Mind
In Ephesians 4:23-24 we read, “And be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.” Our state of mind can make a big difference in our daily lives, in the way we respond to others, to G-d, and ultimately affect our behavior. How we respond to situations around us contributes very much to our well being or misery.
During adversities, maintaining a holy and righteous attitude is very hard, but is vital to our spiritual growth. We are encouraged in these verses to be renewed in the “spirit of our mind”, which essentially has to do with our behaviors or attitudes. G-d expects that we will put on the new man, the new man that was created when we turned around and received Christ as our Savior. The new man that is willing to trust in Christ to the very last drop of hope within us. The new man who sought holiness and righteousness, the new man that looked just like G-d, with the kind of faith to move mountains.
Unfortunately, as times goes by, instead of looking more and more like our Savior and Lord, our minds get carried away by the old man (v 21-23) and it starts all over again. When we have this renewing in the spirit of our minds, we face life and its adversities heads up, because we know that “He is with us, and will never leave us or forsake us” (Deut 4:31, 31:6).
Many Christians will come out of life's tests and trials unscarred, while other will be almost destroyed by the very same circumstances. Why? They do not have the right state of mind. Attitude plays an important role in determining our mental, physical and spiritual well being. When we put on the right state of mind we will be able to proclaim: “I can do all things through Christ Jesus who strengthens me” (Phil 4:13), or “I am more than a conqueror” or “no weapon formed against me shall prosper” (Isaiah 54:17). I would venture to say that having the right state of mind is the same as having the “mind of Christ!” (1 Cor. 2:16). Come on, put on the mind of Christ, so you may always have the right state of mind and enjoy the blessings that are in Christ Jesus for you!
In His service, your fellow servant,
Pastor Paul Santos