Having the Right Mindset, living with purpose, and breathing life into a broken world

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