P.M.S. #4 & #5 Set and (Constantly) Renew Your Mind
“IF THEN you have been raised with Christ [to a new life, thus sharing His resurrection from the dead], aim at and seek the [rich, eternal treasures] that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. And set your minds and keep them set on what is above (the higher things), not on the things that are on the earth.” Colossians 3:1-2 (Amplified Bible)
We have a responsibility and a job to do! How you keep your mind set is to fill it with right things. Write scripture on notecards and place them in places you will see several times a day. Leave yourself notes on your mirror, in your car, on the computer or on the door of your fridge. Make a conscious effort!
Don’t know where to begin? Try Philippians 4:8. “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. “
Positive Mental Strategy #5 : Renew your mind.
“Strip yourselves of your former nature [put off and discard your old unrenewed self] which characterized your previous manner of life and becomes corrupt through lusts and desires that spring from delusion; And be constantly renewed in the spirit of your mind [having a fresh mental and spiritual attitude], And put on the new nature (the regenerate self) created in God’s image, [Godlike] in true righteousness and holiness.” Ephesians 4:22-24
Note the aggressive nature of the word strip. This is not a polite asking. This is an aggressive, harsh, deliberate action! You can’t be soft on your flesh. You must get aggressive if you are going to get victory in the area of your thoughts and emotions.
The phrase “be constantly renewed” indicates that this is something we have to keep doing. Don’t get discouraged. We live in an imperfect world. We have to be constantly alert and active. You are going to slip and struggle. The important thing is that you keep going and keep your focus on the Source of your strength.
“Do not be conformed to this world (this age), [fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs], but be transformed (changed) by the [entire] renewal of your mind [by its new ideals and its new attitude], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God, even the thing which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His sight for you].” Romans 12:2
“For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.” Proverbs 23:7a
Your thoughts have a direct impact on the person you are. Again, you can’t control the thoughts that come but you can control what you do with them.
