SET YOUR MIND

 

For those who are according to the flesh
set their minds on the things of the flesh,
but those who are according to the
Spirit, the things of the Spirit.
For the mind set on the flesh is death,
but the mind set on the Spirit is life
and peace,
Romans 8:5 (NASB)

When I was in elementary school, I really struggled with the multiplication tables. I sometimes still do. I would have loved to have had a nickel for every time I heard,”Glendarae, you can do this if you set your mind to it.” I heard it from parents, grandparents, and teachers. In college there was a professor who loved using that phrase for just about anyone who had lost enthusiasm for a task.

There is something I have since learned about that remark, often made not just to me, but to others as well. It's meant to be a positive, upbeat message to any listener. Any time I was addressed with that comment, I knew the person speaking to me saw something in me I didn't see in myself. They thought I could be a person of accomplishment, and they didn't want me to give up on myself. I was being encouraged whether I realized it at the time or not.

All of us set our minds to accomplish things whether we are aware of it or not. Simply stated, when we set our minds to do something, we've determined to accomplish the whatever that something is. Such determinations might be: cleaning out a closet, washing the car, attending church, doing some grocery shopping, calling a relative, reading a book and more. Most things we get done are done because we have set our minds to do them.

We are very good at accomplishing many things, so why aren't we stronger when it comes to spiritual living. Many times, we don't set our minds to be strong people of faith. I'm looking at Paul talking to the Roman church and as I was reading in Romans 5 and came to the above verses, I thought how simply he presented some things so profoundly to those Roman believers. And yet, those same words now apply to us.

I learned a long time ago that I can't be a good Christian on my own. I can set goals and even force myself to read my Bible, attend church, pray etc. When I do my own planning and goal setting, nothing spiritually pleasing to God is going to occur. He never meant for you and me to live the Christian life on our own. Although born again people, we face the same weaknesses as does the rest of the world. We get tired, ill or discouraged like anyone else does, BUT we have an In-House Being, the sweet Holy Spirit who is ready to empower us to want to do those things that please the Father. When we pray, calling on that power, our spiritual lives become fuller, more satisfying and much more joyful.

Let's determine to set our minds more on the things of God than the things of the world that right now are occupying our minds. Whether we face a pandemic or election and the changes that can come from it all, God will still be our Father who continues to be concerned for us. In the midst of it all, His promises are sure and He's still our Father who will never leave or forsake us. He's already made up His mind about that.

Father, I do love You and want to please You. I long for a closer relationship with You and ask You to speak to me through Your Spirit and His Word. I so appreciate all You've done in my life, especially Your sending Your Son to die for me. In His precious name I pray with much gratitude....Amen