It Is Possible To Think Like Jesus...

My mind is still winding down from all the things I took in during my time in school. I have many feelings that I will share in the future about the pros and cons of pursuing a higher education in religious studies. In the meantime, though, there are several truly beautiful pieces that will forever be a part of my Biblical worldview and personal confidence in who are gracious God is and how generous He is to give us everything we need to partake in His divine nature!!

Take a minute to read this lovely nugget and the following prayer, by Dr. Ben Guiterrez, which blessed my heart during the rigors of school, on how to think like Jesus. The mission for A Heart Refined Ministries is:

Cultivating Faith and Spiritual Disciplines Through the Full Gospel of Jesus Christ

I love how Dr. Guiterrez incorporates and explains the word cultivate! It is the process of sanctification offered through the finished work of Jesus...our Savior, strong and kind!

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“According to Philippians 2:2-5, it is clear that the mind of Christ is by no means something that is applied to you, based on the years of perfect Sunday School attendance, the amount of money you give to your church, or on the people you know. It is not automatically applied to you if you grew up in the "right" family, nor something that can be bestowed upon you by the will of your friends, family, or church leadership. It is not contingent upon merely memorizing creeds, dogma, or scriptures.

In addition, the mind of Christ is not mystical, unknowable, or unattainable! It is taught in the most clear and elementary terms in Philippians 2:2-5 so that the youngest of believers is able to understand the Bible's teaching on the mind of Christ. Anyone can know exactly what the mind of Christ is!

The mind of Christ is cultivated when you actively meditate on the teaching of Philippians 2:2-5, confess with your heart any sin, and carefully follow all of the biblical directives about cultivating UNITY, HUMILITY, and SELFLESSNESS. It is a personal decision that affects your own heart. It must be cultivated daily, checked, and double checked each and every day—every moment, if necessary! Circumstances are not able to produce or prohibit you from living according to the mind of Christ. It is a matter of choice and obedience.”

Lord, I love You and I long to bring honor and glory to Your Name. I have learned how practical the mind of Christ is and am encouraged to live it out in every area of my life. I long to commune with You every day to ensure that I maintain this threefold heart attitude.

Now, give me the wisdom and strength to obey. I desire to live a biblically unified life—to the people with whom I have once been distant and impersonal. Help me love them as You have loved me.

I desire to live a biblically humble life—to promote Your glory and Your Name. Help me see Your world as You see it— as people whom You love, and for whom You died, and desire an intimate relationship with.

I desire to live a biblically selfless life—to be ever looking for those who need my prayers, support, love, and friendship. Please bring me opportunities that will afford me the privilege of offering my support and prayers to people. I want nothing more than for You, through me, to bring comfort and provide support and provision in their time of need.

In making this request, I know the Evil One would not want me to live out the mind of Christ and will attempt to persuade me to believe that it is foolish and futile to live according to the mind of Christ. Help me not to listen to the Evil Ones' lies and deception, but to know that You have blessed Your Word, that You are more powerful than all, and that You will be honored, praised, and glorified through me and my commitment to follow Your Word.

Thank you for allowing me to exhibit to the world Your very character and heartbeat for your people! Right now, I commit my life to living out the mind of Christ. Thank You. I love You.

Amen.

*Commentary and Prayer from "Thinking Like Jesus" by Ben Guiterrez