Mindset

Have you ever wondered why you failed to keep a New Year's Resolution?

Key Scripture: Romans 12:1-2

For the past month I have reflected on this very thing. It was once no big deal to me if I did not keep a resolution. After all, it was mine. If I didn't do it, then so what. It did not really matter. But then a few year's ago, I started planning a new year resolution in my prayer closet; seeking what new thing the Lord would have me do or change. Each year He would lead me to more ways to make Him known. I found this to be gratifying and very successful. Of course, what servant of the Lord does not want to obey the One who saved them and tell others about Him?

Because each year, the commitment level to His gospel ministry increases, it has grown more challenging; yet still successful. UNTIL NOW. Challenging, yes. Successful, no. Absolute failure. This hasn't settled well with me. I could list a bunch of excuses. But those are even less settling to me. I believe in decisions over excuses. My 2022 New Year's Resolution was (and still remains, though I am late starting) to write one blog post each week; alternating between an encouraging Scripture message and a ministry update.

And here we are, six weeks into the new year. I am just getting started. Ideally, I would play catch up so I could feel like I have succeeded. But that's just it. IDEALS. It is where the Lord has continuously had to challenge and change my thinking. I am so glad that He has and does, though it is almost always a struggle. Maybe you can relate?

Mindset is everything. There are many factors that influence the way we think, both internal and external. It could be life experiences, educational background, emotional health, spiritual condition, and a multitude of other causes. Most often for me, it is a matter of the desires of my heart. But most recently, it has been a matter of what I have somehow concluded to be the highest priority or most important, in my service to the Lord. As a leader, a big chunk of the work is problem solving while the whole work is stewardship of the ministry which the Lord has entrusted. As a teacher, the whole work is teaching. No matter what, there will always be problems to solve and the Bible to teach. Doing both are necessary, as well as the many other Spiritual gifts and works that the Lord has bestowed upon His children. The key to discerning what takes precedence is allowing the Lord to influence our mindset.

"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." (Romans 12:1-2 KJV)

The Scripture in Romans 12 tells us to "be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind." When we present ourselves to God, by the reading of His word and the listening to His Spirit, He in fact transforms us by the renewing of our mind. I have always thought of this renewing as something that I did. But when I looked up the original text in the Greek, it defines renewing as renovation. This expanded my understanding with vision; results I SEE from what I do, rather than just what I DO. And this my friends, has changed my mindset so that I can be more obedient to how the Lord is leading me in this season; to change my thinking on some ideals about works. Therefore, some problems will not get solved right away. Some ideals will be crucified.

How about you? In what ways is the Lord challenging your thinking in this season?

"Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it. Vanity of vanities, saith the preacher; all is vanity." (Ecclesiastes 12:7-8 KJV)