The Mature Mind (7)

Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus… Philippians 2.5

Getting it to work!
As Christians, we have the mind of Christ – as mature, pure, and Kingdom-oriented a way of thinking as could possibly be. A mature mind is crucial to a strong soul, second only to a well-kept heart in terms of importance.

We have that mind right now, resident in us through the Spirit and Word of God (1 Cor. 2.16). We are called to become mature in our thinking, so that, by denying ourselves, considering the needs of others, planning and envisioning good rather than evil outcomes, and submitting our minds to the revelation of God in all things, we may contribute to the advancement of Christ’s Kingdom in our lives and Personal Mission Fields.

We have the mind of Christ. Now we want to have this mind work in us so that, as Paul exhorts, we may be mature in our thinking, rather than childish. For when we are mature in our thinking, when every aspect of our thought life is subject to Christ and His Word, focused on the goodness of God (Ps. 27.13), ordered and determined to achieve Kingdom outcomes (Matt. 6.10, 33), and ready to overcome any manifestations of self-interest or fleshly desire (Rom. 12.21), then we will see real progress of Christ’s Presence and rule in our lives.

We have the mind of Christ; now let’s see what the Scriptures teach concerning how to make His mind operative in our own. What paths shall we travel to realize the mind of Christ at work in our own thinking?

Spiritual disciplines
Let me suggest three parallel paths to mature Christian thinking. We have touched on these previously, but it will be good for us to review them again, so that we walk these paths consistently.

First is the path of spiritual disciplines. Have you ever found that the more time you spend with someone, talking, sharing ideas and plans, dialoging about this or that, the more you begin to think like that person? I see this increasingly with Susie. We tend to see things the same way, to add to one another’s views, and to respond to situations similarly. Because we spend so much time together, increasingly our thoughts about anything tend to line up well.

The same is true with Jesus. The more time we spend with Him – focused time, dedicated to contemplating Christ in His glory, meditating on His Word, communing with Him in prayer, and worshiping Him in Spirit and in truth – the more time we spend with Jesus in these spiritual disciplines, the more we will begin to think like Him in every aspect of our lives.

The practice of spiritual disciplines takes time, and persevering in these disciplines can be difficult. Jesus wants us to invest this time and effort, but the father of lies does not. Where the practice of spiritual disciplines is concerned, it’s not hard to determine whose will we’re submitting to at any point. This may be a good time for you to review your use of such disciplines and to refocus them more pointedly on helping to mature your thought life.

Wisdom from others
The second path is that of wisdom from others. Lots of people have gone before us in the history of the Church, and many exist today, who have demonstrated uncommon maturity in their thinking. And, in case you were not aware of this, many of them have written down their thoughts and experiences, and many are still doing so today. We would be wise in turning to this multitude of counselors (Prov. 11.14) to consult their views on various topics, or learn from them how to mature in our thinking. Yes, this means reading the works of Christian thinkers, past and present, as well as listening to mature and thoughtful preaching and teaching.

There’s one catch: If we’re going to make more time for reading the works of wise Christian forebears and contemporaries, we’re probably going to have to capture that time from less important and less fruitful activities in which we are currently engaged – such as watching too much TV, playing video games, surfing the web, or trolling around on social media. It all depends on how earnest we are about becoming mature in our thinking.

Christian conversation
Finally, the path of serious Christian conversation can lead us to greater maturity in the mind of Christ (Col. 3.16). Seek out some Christian friends with whom you can regularly converse about serious matters – questions about contemporary issues, cultural trends, Scripture and doctrine, and personal applications of truth. If you don’t have a group like this, start your own. Tell your friends the goal of this group is to grow in maturity in your thinking, and only those should come who have the objective of increasing in their ability to use the mind of Christ. Read a book together, or do a study of some book of the Bible. Take a course together. Share what you’re learning from Scripture and God’s world. Talk about issues and events. Think together about ways you might seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness in your individual spheres of influence.

And in all these paths, be sure to put into practice the new insights, understandings, visions, ideas, and plans that are coming to light as the mind of Christ in you. Merely thinking the thoughts of Jesus won’t make us more like Him. As we increase in the mind of Christ, let us take great delight in what we’re learning, and hurry from what we have read to run our race for Jesus more vigorously and fruitfully (Hab. 2.2; Heb. 12.1-3).

Becoming mature in our thinking won’t just happen. We’ll need to have an open mind, and we’re going to have to work at it, and work at it for a lifetime, walking the paths of spiritual discipline, seeking wisdom from others, and conversing with Christian friends, until, increasingly, the mind of Christ in us becomes the mind we regularly use.

For reflection
1.  What hindrances are presently keeping you from pursuing more maturity in using the mind of Christ? What is your plan for overcoming those hindrances?

2.  How will you be able to tell when you are increasing in maturity in the mind of Christ?

3.  What next steps are you planning to take toward greater maturity in the mind of Christ?

Next steps – Transformation: Spend some time in prayer, waiting on the Lord around the question, “What can I do to improve my use of the mind of Christ on each of these three paths?”

What does it mean to “think Kingdom”? Our book, The Kingdom Turn, can help you in gaining a clearer vision of the Kingdom and in living for the Kingdom in all you do. Order your free copy by clicking here.

All the installments in this “Strong Souls” series are available in PDF by clicking here. Check out our newest feature, Readings from the Celtic Revival (click here).

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Except as indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.