Many of us underestimate the power of our minds. We often believe that what we think about and consume our minds with will not have a significant impact. As a result, we do not carefully monitor the things that consume our thoughts and minds. The truth is, however, our minds have a significant impact. Our minds impact what we say, do, and value the most. As followers of Christ, we must take seriously the war going on for our minds. We need to think differently than the rest of the world and focus our minds on Christ.
Christ-followers are reminded to take seriously the impact that our thoughts and mindsets can have in Ephesians 4. In this passage of Scripture, the apostle Paul wrote, “With the Lord’s authority I say this” (verse 17). Immediately, Paul wanted his readers to know that what he was about to write was written with the authority of the Lord. That means it is to be taken seriously. Paul continued, “Live no longer as the Gentiles do, for they are hopelessly confused. Their minds are full of darkness. Paul was calling readers to stop living as unbelievers who are “hopelessly confused” with minds full of darkness. As a result of their darkened minds, Paul writes that unbelievers wander far from the life God gives because they have closed their minds and hardened their hearts against Him” (verse 18). This is the mindset that Paul warns against in Ephesians 4, and it leads us on a path far from God.
Instead of thinking like the rest of the world, Paul calls us to think differently in Romans 12. He writes, “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think” (verse 2). In other words, we are to stop thinking like the rest of the world thinks. How does the world think? The world prioritizes selfishness. The world teaches us to live for the things of this world that will not matter. The world encourages us to put our worth in our popularity, finances, and positions. As followers of Christ, we can choose to change our thought patterns. We can think about God and His kingdom and live with His kingdom in mind. This mindset changes everything. It changes our perspective so that we view everything in light of God and His kingdom and allows us to make decisions that honor Him.
Make no mistake, our mindsets have a big impact. When we live according to the world, we face the consequences and go on a path away from God. When we think differently and focus on God, He guides and leads us. Let’s commit to changing the way we think and live with an eternal perspective, living for what truly matters and will never fade away.
It is time for us to take our thoughts and the impact they can have seriously. Pay attention today to your thoughts. As you pay attention to your thoughts, take note of how they impact your day. For example, they can leave you feeling discouraged; they could leave you encouraged; they could lead you to actions that you regret; they could lead you to actions that you are proud of, and so much more. As you notice how your thoughts impact your life, commit to taking seriously the things that you focus your mind on.
And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. 2 Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.
3 Because of the privilege and authority God has given me, I give each of you this warning: Don’t think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us. 4 Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, 5 so it is with Christ’s body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other.
6 In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. 7 If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. 8 If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.
9 Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. 10 Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. 11 Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. 12 Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. 13 When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality.
14 Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them. 15 Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all!
17 Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. 18 Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.
19 Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say,
“I will take revenge;
I will pay them back,”
says the Lord.
20 Instead,
“If your enemies are hungry, feed them.
If they are thirsty, give them something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap
burning coals of shame on their heads.”
21 Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.
