Are you hungry for change? Using the powers of the mind is key. Romans 12:2 gives us the following wisdom:
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God."
You might be thinking: "Well, if I have the key, then why haven't I changed yet?"
Think about this in the natural. Does having the key to your car actually start the car?
No.
Having the key with you is only the first step to starting the car. You still need to put the key into the ignition to start it or for newer cars, actually push the Start button!
Our mind transformation works in a similar way.
When we become disciples of Jesus, our spirit is renewed but our minds aren't renewed automatically. That's the key.
Mind renewal requires daily action. Our destiny is to operate according to the mind of Christ. Check out the powers of the mind reflection below.
The 4 Powers of the Mind
The Lord showed me 4 mind powers to use for renewal so that we can operate in abundant life.
Here are the 4 mental powers the Lord has given us. They are:
- The Power to Choose
- The Power to Imagine
- The Power to Meditate
- The Power to Plan
1. The Powers of the Mind: To Choose
When Jesus recruited new disciples, he used 2 words most often: "Follow me."
As His disciples today, He uses the same words with us: "Follow me."
Every day, we must choose how we will answer His command. The only acceptable answer is: "Yes, Lord."
Deuteronomy 30:19-20 says:
I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live; that you may love the Lord your God, that you may obey His voice, and that you may cling to Him, for He is your life and the length of your days;"
- Abundant life becomes yours when you answer, "Yes."
- Great blessing becomes yours when you say, "Yes."
- Your identity as the righteousness of God in Christ is reaffirmed when you say, "Yes."
- You have peace as your mind stays on Him when you say, "Yes."
- You have joy in His presence as you say, "Yes."
Do you hear His still, small voice saying "Follow me" today?
May our answers always be, "Yes, Lord!"
2. The Powers of the Mind: To Imagine
God gave our minds the ability to replay our past (memory) or pre-play our future (imagination).
The word "imagination" contains the word "image" within it. We use it to conjure up images of how we see ourselves and our future.
Unfortunately, most people's imaginations are at war with God's truth.
The world trains us to imagine death, disaster, loss, or fleshly indulgence. As a result, we go about life oppressed, anxious, fearful, or depressed.
However, scripture gives us insight into the imagination and how to use it properly.
First, Romans 1:21 tells us what not to do:
Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened (KJV)."
The word 'vain' speaks of useless activity, yielding no good purpose. I interpret becoming vain in your imagination as leaving God out of the equation.
Because you focus only on your own capabilities or past failures, you limit what God can do through you.
On the other hand, 2 Corinthians 10:5 gives us guidance on what to do with our imaginations:
Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ (KJV);
When we imagine things, ensure that it includes the truth about God - His character, His love for us, and His good plans for us.
God promises in Romans 8:28:
And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose."
When you have confidence that you love God and you are called according to His purpose, then you can have confidence that even negative circumstances in your life are working together for your good.
Occupy your imagination with images of God's goodness towards you. Reject any images to the contrary.
If you do not occupy your mind with the right pictures, it will go to work on the wrong pictures.
3. The Powers of the Mind: To Meditate
Joshua 1:8 gives us the following key to success:
This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.
The Lord revealed this truth to me years ago: "The thoughts you dwell on determines the world you live in."
I think of meditation as "marinating."
Do you know how you can put meat in a bath of vinegar, oils, and herbs so that when you cook it, the meat will taste like the substance in which it marinated?
Christian meditation works the same way. That is one of the reasons you want to be careful about the thoughts you are dwelling on!
Psalm 34:8 exhorts us:
Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; Blessed is the man who trusts in Him!"
Other people "taste" our Lord through "tasting" us! They make determinations about Him based on their interactions with those who profess His name.
If you've been meditating on thoughts of anxiety, anger, offense, bitterness and unforgiveness then how do you think you "taste" to others?
Thankfully, the Lord gives us wise guidance on what we are to meditate on. Philippians 4:8 says:
Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things."
While you can't control every thought that enters your mind, you can evaluate them to determine which to dismiss (the enemy's lies) and which ones are worth dwelling on (Godly truth).
The ones you dwell on determines your "marination." So make sure your meditation is Godly meditation!
3. The Powers of the Mind: To Plan
Scripture says in Proverbs 21:5:
The plans of the diligent lead surely to plenty, But those of everyone who is hasty, surely to poverty."
Unfortunately, this world trains us to be hasty, impulsive, and impatient.
However, the word "diligent" means to "pay consistent and careful attention." It requires that we slow down and think about what we are doing.
A smart part of diligence is ordering our environment to help ourselves succeed. We don't put stumbling blocks in our way.
Our God is diligent and He plans:
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart (Jeremiah 29:11-13)."
Isn't it wonderful to know that the Lord thinks about you?
He has good plans for you; seek Him daily for His plan. Plan your day accordingly.
At the end of each day, you will have confidence that you have invested your time wisely in fulfilling God's purpose and plan for you.
The 19th-century industrialist Andrew Carnegie once said, ''The man who acquires the ability to take full possession of his own mind may take possession of anything else to which he is justly entitled."
Taking full possession of your mind means submitting your mind to the full lordship of Jesus Christ. The 4 mental powers I've named are just 4 ways you can do that.
Only then will we understand his purpose and take full possession of God's promises for us!