February 20, 2022
“If your sinful nature controls your mind, there is death. But if the Holy Spirit controls your mind, there is life and peace.” Romans 8:6
Have you ever awakened from a good night’s sleep with negative thoughts or a bad attitude? Most of us have lived long enough to know and understand that negative thoughts and responses lead to wrong decisions. We also know that a positive attitude puts us in position to allow God to work in our hearts and lives.
Many times, our responses are a result of attempting to control our future, try to control our circumstances, and the people around us. When we do this, we step out of our lane and get into God’s business. What we are doing is demonstrating we want to be in control. God doesn’t want us to try and take His place. Instead, He wants us to become like Him, taking on His values, His attitudes, and His character. We are meant to “be made new in the attitude of our minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness”
“Stop imitating the ideals and opinions of the culture around you but be inwardly transformed by the Holy Spirit through a total reformation of how you think. This will empower you to discern God’s will as you live a beautiful life, satisfying and perfect in his eyes.” Romans 12:2 (TPT)
As Believers in Christ, we must always keep in mind that God’s ultimate goal for us as His children is not our comfort, but the transformation of our minds into the attitude of godliness. He wants us to grow up in Him, that is to grow spiritually, to become like HIM! This doesn’t mean losing our personalities or becoming mindless replicas. Christlikeness is all about transforming our minds. Again, Paul tells us, “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is his good, pleasing and perfect will”. Romans 12:2.
Also, as Believers in Christ, we must be mindful what you put into your mind determines what comes out in your words and actions. The Apostle Paul admonishes us to program our minds with thoughts that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy. If you are experiencing or having problems with impure thoughts and daydreams. You are to examine what you are putting into your mind through television, music, books, conversations, movies, and magazines. Replace harmful input with wholesome material. Above all, read God’s Word and pray. Ask God to help you focus your mind on what is good and pure. It takes practice, but it can be done.
The Best Positive Thoughts Are Those of GODLY MINDFULNESS!
Many times, people excuse selfishness, pride, and even evil by claiming “it is my right.” They attempt to justify their action, I can cheat on this test; after all, I deserve to pass this class, or I can spend all this money on myself-I worked for it, or I can get an abortion; I have a right to control my own body. But as Believers in Christ, we should have a different attitude; one that enables us to lay aside our rights in order to serve others. If we say we follow Christ, we must live as he lived. We should develop his attitude of humility as we serve, even when we are not likely to get recognition for our efforts. Are you selfishly clinging to your rights, or are you willing to serve?
AN HUMBLE 
HEART As Children of God it is His will that we develop the kind of mindset described in Matthew chapter 5 of the Beatitudes. We are to display the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians chapter 5; we are to emulate the principles of Love in 1 Corinthians chapter 13, and we are to strive and pattern our lives after the characteristics of an effective and productive life the Apostle Peter talks about in 2 Peter 1:5-8.
FATHER GOD, Thank You for your Word that provides for us clear instructions as to how we are to think which allows us to have the right attitude, an attitude of humility, and of serving other people that helps us to be more like Christ. Help us to have an attitude of faith in You Father that has many positive aspects: joy in every circumstance, dependence on God in prayer rather than worrying, and thankfulness-no matter what, in the Precious, Powerful and Preeminent Name of Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord, Amen!