Having the Right
Mindset, living with purpose, and breathing life into a broken world
In
life we are faced with constant problematic issues like financial difficulties,
mechanical breakdowns, personal brokenness, strained relationships, failing health,
a divided country and opposing ideologies etc. Yet in each case we face there
is an opportunity to approach each situation with perspective that not only
that can bring us peace but help others experience the same. The human tendency
however, is to react before thinking things through. So what comes out of
our mouths, and the tape we play back in our heads stirs us to the point of anger
and hatred. It is important to take a step back, look at the big picture and
receive wisdom and discernment before we tackle those things that bring us to
the point of hating our neighbor.
Having
the right perspective and attitude will help us stay on track to having the
right mindset, living with purpose, and breathing life into a broken world.
Depending
upon which side of the equation you are on, there are different ways to
approach the problems we are facing. Not only do we have to deal with our own
issues, but we need to consider the needs of others and discern how we can help
those who are in the midst of their own difficult circumstances.
The
first step we should take is to understand that we live in a culture that says
if you don't believe what the going trend in perspective says, you are out of
step with the truth. On the contrary, I have found the opposite to be true. You
cannot solve problems with limited cultural perspective. Our perspective has to
be eternal and able to transform our minds so that we can see the world through
the eyes of our Creator. One can argue that there is no God, but I challenge
those with that belief to seek Him and ask Him to open their minds and hearts
for the revelation of His truth. Some will refuse to accept that there is a
Creator due to them wanting to stay and live within their own comfort zone and
ideology. I say that facing death with no hope is no way to live in
abundance.
So take this
step:
Get
Godly counsel to help see life through God's perspective and turned off the
cultural mindset for a while. You see, God desires for us to have an eternal
perspective on life so we don’t get discouraged. So that we stay on the path He
has designed for our lives. So that every day we can find hope in a broken
world
So if you want
to read further here is revelation from God's Word on how to live with the
right mindset.
The Bible tells
us how to appropriate an eternal perspective:
1. We must go to
God in prayer:
Psalm
32:6-8 (NLT)
Therefore,
let all the godly pray to you while there is still time, that they may not
drown in the floodwaters of judgment. For you are my hiding place; you
protect me from trouble. You surround me with songs of victory.
The Lord says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I
will advise you and watch over you.
Philippians
4:6-7 (NIV)
Do
not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving,
present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all
understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
2. We must learn
to trust God:
Proverbs
3:5-6 (NIV)
Trust
in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all
your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.
3. We must
appropriate Godly Perspective:
Romans
12:2 (NIV)
Do
not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the
renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s
will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
4. We must allow
God's Word to equip us guide us. We must act on what God's Word is telling us
to do:
Psalm
111:10 (NIV)
The
fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have
good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise.
2
Timothy 3:16-17 (NIV)
All
Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training
in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every
good work.
You
see, Jesus told us that we are going to have problems in this world. But he
also told us that He has overcome the world. The world is filled with danger to
our physical and spiritual lives because of sin. But the “world” can’t take
away the eternity God has promised those who have received Christ and have
become His followers. So it is very important to have Godly perspective to
encourage us and guide us through the turbulence of a fallen and broken world.
John
16:33 (NIV)
“I
have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you
will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
John
10:28 (NIV)
I
give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out
of my hand.
Jesus gives us
the "formula" for getting Godly wisdom and perspective:
Matthew
7:7-8 (NIV)
Ask, Seek, Knock
“Ask
and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be
opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him
who knocks, the door will be opened.
Once
we have received the wisdom from God that He freely gives, we should then apply
it to our situation. It could be just that we need an attitude adjustment. Or
it could be that in any situation God wants us to use the difficulties to
strengthen and grow our character and faith. These passages below help us
understand about how our actions and attitudes can benefit us and others when
it comes to developing our mind, heart and character.
Ephesians
4:22-24 (NIV)
You
were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self,
which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude
of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true
righteousness and holiness.
James
1:2-4 (NIV)
Consider
it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you
know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must
finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
The
passage in James goes on to say that if we lack wisdom we should ask God. What
better way to approach any difficult situation than to ask God for wisdom in
how to handle it.
James
1:5-8 (NIV) (Asking God for
Wisdom)
if
any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without
finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe
and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and
tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the
Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does.
Once
we have Godly wisdom and discernment for a particular situation we now have the
ability and opportunity to respond in such a way that reflects the character of
Jesus. Our transformation from our old way of thinking into a new way not only
contains new perspective, but also reflects Jesus in a such a way that love, joy, peace, patience, kindness,
goodness, faithfulness, gentleness
and self-control are now a greater part of who we are. This is a
supernatural transformation that comes when one becomes a follower of Jesus and
the Holy Spirit which Jesus promised to give us rules the heart mind and soul.
No longer will we deny the issues at hand, but take on a wise rational
approach, making what is a difficult situation, into an opportunity to honor God
and reflect the Christ-like character the Holy Spirit has created in us.
God
really does want to sanctify us. He
desires for us to be more like Jesus. When we reach out to God for His
perspective, what shines is the understanding that Christ-likeness is the
character we need to put on regardless of what we are facing. This is because
the world is watching how we live and how we handle ourselves. Are we
hypocrites or do we really live out the life we are telling others about? When
it comes down to it, do we believe in God’s transforming power? Do we believe
through Christ we can do all things? Do we believe God has the power to change
our circumstances? Do we believe God has a plan for our lives? Here are some
passages that link the character of a follower of Jesus to the process of sanctification. (An act of God that works to make us more like Jesus in character)
You
will notice God desires for us to be transformed. God wants to use that
transformation as a witness to His redeeming power.
1
Corinthians 1:30 (NLT)
God
has united you with Christ Jesus. For our benefit God made him to be wisdom
itself. Christ made us right with God; he made us pure and holy, and he freed
us from sin.
1
Thessalonians 4:3 (NASB)
For
this is the will of God, your sanctification; that is, that you abstain from
sexual immorality;
1
Thessalonians 4:7 (NASB)
For
God has not called us for the purpose of impurity, but in sanctification
1
Thessalonians 5:23 (NIV)
May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your
whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus
Christ.
2
Timothy 2:20-21 (NLT)
In
a wealthy home some utensils are made of gold and silver, and some are made of
wood and clay. The expensive utensils are used for special occasions, and the
cheap ones are for everyday use. If you keep yourself pure, you will be a
special utensil for honorable use. Your life will be clean, and you will be
ready for the Master to use you for every good work.
With
an attitude of surrender to God’s power and wisdom, and by setting aside our
own human perspective, we can properly deal with tough situations. In
fact, we can take what seems to be a problem and make it an opportunity to
reflect the glory of God through our actions. The world is watching. Let’s not
cause anyone to stumble in their faith. In turn, let’s point to the door of
salvation by being the people God has called us to be. God wants us to
use the time we have been given on this earth to help bring others to Himself.
Our Christ-likeness will offer others a new perspective on hope because they
will see that God can change what seems unchangeable; the sinful, arrogant, and
self-centered human heart.
1
Peter 3:15 (NIV)
But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an
answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But
do this with gentleness and respect,
2
Timothy 1:7 (NLT)
For
God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.
Here is some
great instruction on how we can live out a God-centered life:
Colossians
3:12-17 (NLT)
Since
God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with
tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make
allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you.
Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe
yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let
the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one
body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful. Let the message
about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each
other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs
to God with thankful hearts. And whatever you do or say, do it as a
representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.
When we keep our
eyes focused on Jesus we will see problems differently:
Hebrews
12 (NIV)
Therefore,
since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off
everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run
with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith,
who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat
down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider Him who endured such
opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
No matter what
we are facing right now we can take what Jesus says to heart:
John
14:1 (NIV)
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God ; trust also in me.
Matthew
11:28-29 (NIV)
“Come
to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my
yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you
will find rest for your souls.
John
14:27 (NIV)
Peace
I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives.
Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
We can be
confident that Jesus understands and cares about what we go through in life:
Hebrews
4:14-15 (NIV)
Therefore,
since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the
Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a
high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one
who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin.
We know He cares
because He willingly suffered and gave His life so we can have life:
Romans
5:8 (NIV)
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners,
Christ died for us.
We
have an awesome God who we can turn to under any circumstance. He can take any
problem we are facing and help us discern how to best handle ourselves in the
situation at hand.
Will you trust
Him today with the circumstances you are facing?
Peter
5:7 (NLT)
Give
all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.
God promises
this:
Isaiah
41:10 (NIV)
So
do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will
strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
As a follower of
Christ you can bank on this:
Romans
8:38-39 (NIV)
For
I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither
the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor
anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the
love
of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
With
the Holy Spirit’s power in our lives, any problem we face can become an opportunity
for us to apply Godly wisdom and put on a Christ-centered attitude. When we do
this the world will see that we are His disciples. When we do this we let some
of the air out of a divisive and hateful world. When we do this supernatural love
can have its way. When we do this we speak love to God through our obedience to
put on the new self.
God’s Word tells
us:
Philippians
2:5 (NIV)
Your
attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus
So in
conclusion:
Having
the right perspective and attitude will help us stay on track to having the
right mindset, living with purpose, and breathing life into a broken world.
Just
Sayin………………..Dave
