And be not conformed to this world; but by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God. Romans 12:2

Our Senior Pastor recently finished a lengthy sermon series entitled, “Renewing the Mind.”  For many of us, it was like experiencing a healthy pregnancy; it lasted for months and developed like it was intended.  When all was said and done, the “baby” (or series summary) was finally delivered, which left us with something wonderfully alive, beautifully true, personal in nature, and of course, practically challenging. [If any of the details are of interest to you, this great series on Renewing the Mind can be referenced on Faith Christian Center’s (Seekonk) web site. Click on the media button and follow to the FCC iTunes section.]

In today’s message, our attempt is to catch much of the main thrust of what God wants us to know and apply.  Essentially, there is only one wholesome attitude that matters and that’s the attitude of Christ or the Holy Spirit that resides within us. (Phil 2:13)  Unless He’s allowed to work in and through us as He’s promised (for His glory and ours), then the prospect of renewing our mind is outside His purview and simply wishful thinking.  In summarizing, our Pastor discerned five godly attitude ingredients necessary to renew our mind:

1.  Desire:  To renew one’s mind assumes a bulldog tenacity and focus.

2.  Willingness:  Our delight must be to do God’s will and not our own.

3.  Truth:  Unless we are open to what Truth requires, then renewal is perilously hamstrung.

4.  Action:  We are to be doers of God’s word, not students or hearers only.

5.  Enduring Pain:  True followers of Christ must persevere as overcomers in the face of challenges, trials, tribulations, afflictions, persecution and even martyrdom.

The Bible says, “As a man or woman thinks in their heart, so he or she is” (Prov 23:7).  So family and friends, may we take this Attitude to Change message and bring it home to our own heart, renewed mind, and behavior pattern.  In Jesus’ name, may the Holy Spirit work the attitude of Christ in us. May it be perfected in desire, willingness, truth, action, and capacity to endure life’s trials—in His grace, growth, and glorious victory!

Ps 40:8; Lk 22:42; Jn 18:37; Jam 1:22; Gal 6:7-10