Central Truth

We have the same mind that Jesus has. What an extraordinary truth to let soak in. Can it really be? Well, Paul says it right there in black and white: "We have the mind of Christ."  Amazing for sure. But, do we believe it and do we use it?

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Reflections

Remember that movie "A Beautiful Mind" starring Russell Crowe as John Forbes Nash, Jr., the mathematical genius who finally overcame years of suffering through schizophrenia to win the Nobel Prize? As I contemplated 1 Corinthians 2:6-16, I thought about how Nash had to fight, with the help of his wife, Alicia, to distinguish (and disregard) the fantasy voices, thoughts and feelings in his mind from those of reality. That helped me grasp, somewhat, the struggle in my own mind between being set on and acting from the spirit of the world and being set on and acting from what the Spirit reveals to me from God. That revelation is wisdom that is:

   1. Not of this age or of the rulers of this age (v. 6)
   2. God's secret wisdom, now revealed, that He destined for our glory (v. 7)
   3. Meant for us to understand what God has freely given us (v. 12)
   4. Not in words taught by human wisdom, but in words taught by the Spirit (v. 13)
   5. Spiritually discerned (v. 14)

Imagine having the same beautiful mind - thoughts, feelings, understanding, and discernment - that Jesus has! According to Paul, we do. What a gift! But, like the immature Corinthians, we too can fail to apprehend and appropriate the mind of Christ in our lives. 

Imagine if we thought, spoke and behaved from the same mindset that Jesus has. It would transform our view of ourselves, our relationships with God and others, and the little corners of the world that we inhabit. Now, imagine if millions of people all over the world were living out of the mind of Christ - that mature, whole, wise, loving, and beautiful mind. You start to see images of "Thy kingdom come" don't you?

Father, help us all to imagine and hold fast to the truth that you have given us the mind of Christ, and help us to cultivate a life of renewing our minds constantly in the life of your Son, Jesus, that we might "be transformed by the renewing of our mind." Romans 12:2.

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Discussion Questions

1. Do you believe that the Holy Spirit wants to fill your mind with the same "holy brain matter" that Christ has?

2. For pictures of what life looks like when lived out of Christ-mindedness, see Romans 12; Colossians 3:1-17; and Philippians 2:1-18.

3. Can you think of ways to help yourself maintain the mind of Christ in you?

4. How can you encourage others to do the same? Who specifically needs your prayers and encouragements to that end?

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