In Biblical teaching, the heart refers to that faculty of the soul which manages our affections. The heart works together with the mind and the conscience, in a relationship of mutual interaction, overlap, and cooperation, to bring forth in us the words and deeds that make us who we are.

We have the mind of Christ, but we need to grow into it, so that we can reach maturity in our thinking and live increasingly as true disciples of the Lord.

Of all the forms of culture that have the power to confront us with the mind of Christ, great Christian art is surely the most effective. Yet how many of us have any familiarity with this precious treasure and resource?

Just at the Lord reveals Himself and His mind in His Word, so also does He in His world. In creation and culture, we may discern the glory of God and understand more of how His mind works, so that we may be renewed in our minds more and more.

For the renewing of our minds toward maturity in the mind of Christ, there is no substitute for daily, consecutive reading and study of the Word of God. By reading the Bible through, over and over, and taking time to meditate, reflect, and apply what we’re learning, we lay a solid foundation for continuing growth in the Lord.

The Bible is the Word of Christ. In it He reveals Himself, draws us into the glory of God, and by His Spirit, transforms us into His own image. We need to read the Bible, faithfully and well, so that we can be daily renewed and grow to increasing maturity in the mind of Christ.

Only Jesus Christ can open our minds, so that we begin to grow to maturity in His mind, filled with His Word and Spirit, growing and serving faithfully in the calling to which He has appointed us.

It’s one thing to have the mind of Christ, as Paul says is true of every believer in Jesus Christ (1 Cor. 2.16). It’s quite another thing to use the mind of Christ in a mature and responsible manner.

The objective of a renewed mind is that we might see the world with the eyes of Jesus, think about it as He does, plan our approach to it using His priorities and vision, delight in the wonder and scope of His thoughts, and reflect on our experience in the world as He does, for the praise of the glory of God’s grace.

In this concluding study, we are reminded that what God promises us ultimately and above all is Himself. Knowing Him, enjoying Him, and partaking of Him – this is the greatest promise anyone could ever realize.

Voices Together is available in a weekly format suitable for distribution as a church bulletin insert or for distribution to small groups or in prisons. It includes theScrriptures and meditations for the coming week, Monday through the Lord's Day. It is formatted to print double sided on 8 1/2" x 11" paper with a mid-page horizontal fold. Please feel free to utilize this in your own ministries.

By looking at several examples from Scripture, we get a better idea of what we need to do as we prepare and plan for living toward God’s promises, and as we purify our souls and practice obedient faith. Claiming God’s promises is a calling for every area of our lives. The more we learn about what this entails, the better prepared we will be to realize His precious and very great promises every day.