Are You Out Of Your Mind?

"Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus" Philippians 2:5

If you have been a Christ-follower any length of time, you are aware that the way you see life is often the opposite of those around you. The reason is they have a different mindset or perspective. For the Christ-follower; we have the "mind of Christ." We view everything through a Biblical lens; while non-believers see things from a non-Biblical viewpoint. Our lifestyle is confusing to some because they don't understand our motivation.

But people who aren’t spiritual can’t receive these truths from God’s Spirit. It all sounds foolish to them and they can’t understand it, for only those who are spiritual can understand what the Spirit means. 2 Corinthians 2:14 i.e. If you attend church more than once a week; people might say you are "out of your mind." That is true; not in the sense we are insane, but we are out of our 'natural' mind and rather have the mind of Christ.

Sometimes we get frustrated with non-believers but we must remember that they do not understand the truth as we do. Not that we are superior, we are traveling a different road.

When I Grow Up...

The story is told of an elementary school teacher that asked each of her students to come to the front of the classroom and tell what they wanted to be when they grew up. Each student dutifully came to the front and told what they wanted to become when they grew up. As could be expected, they said they wanted to be a firefighter, policeman, doctor, teacher, nurse, etc. Without warning, the classroom door opened and the District Superintendent of Schools entered. As was his practice, he would often randomly select a school and observe a teacher in their classroom. 

Everything went well until the teacher realized Billy was the last student who hadn't come forward. Billy was the one student you could count on to cause trouble. He would often speak up in the class and say something embarrassing but she felt like she needed to let him share.

Billy came forward, cleared his throat and said, "When I grow up, I want to lead a blind man." Without another word, he stepped down and went to his seat. The room was totally silent. This difficult student had uttered something that was actually the core of being great, Jesus Christ said, "If you want to be great, you must become a servant." But how many of us have 'aspired' to be a servant? When Jesus needed someone to wash the dirt from his feet after walking the dusty roads; ALL His disciples refused the lowly place

The Kingdom of God is so different from the Kingdom of this world. If you want to gain = give. If you want to be great = serve. If you want to exalted = humble yourself. The way up is down! 

What are the first words Jesus will say to you when you get to heaven? "Well done, good and faithful servant...Enter into the joy of your lord."  Matthew 25:23

Are You All In?

Most of us are satisfied with good enough. We rarely strive for going the "extra mile." We only do what is expected of us and that attitude carries over to the church.

Some of us show up to church a couple weekends a month for one hour, pick up our Bibles once a week, only pray short blessings over our food, and then expect to walk in power. It does not happen that way. You have to ask yourself, “What do I want out of this life? 

Many just want enough of God to keep us from going to hell. Just enough to appease Him (and our conscience.) But we do not want enough of God to transform our lives. 

Not enough of God to make us love a black person. Not enough of God that causes us to serve.

Have you ever wondered how the twelve disciples literally changed the world? The answer is found in Acts 2:42. They were continually devoting themselves...

If God wants us to become closer to Him, we cannot just sit back and say, “God! I want to know you. I’m going to sit here and soak it all up. Let me know when you’re ready.” We must be the ones to take charge, formulate a growth plan, and go all in. 

Continually seek Him. Continually be devoted to Him. Continually be all in.