Romans 8:5 “Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.
2 Corinthians 10:5 (ESV) “We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ.”
Have you ever taken time to think about the words that you speak, I mean truly think about the words that are coming out of your mouth? As our children were growing up there was a time in their lives when we were trying to change their speech habits. When they would say something with a critical spirit, we would say, is that edifying (does it build other’s up or is it constructive) and of course we gave them permission to ask us the same question. It was a great exercise for a time and caused all of us to think before speaking and say something we shouldn’t.
God has given us free will and we do have a choice as to what we let flow out of our mouths. We have a choice as to what we will do with the impulses or thoughts that come into our minds from our sinful nature. Remember, thoughts drive emotions and emotions drive behavior. What we set our minds on directly is not visible to anyone else; however eventually it will be revealed through our words and actions. We can set our minds on the things of this world, pursue selfish ambitions and become critical, self-righteous, and selfish people. Or we can think about God’s goodness, His plans for us, what He desires to do in us, meditate on His word, get our focus and worship on Him, center our fellowship with others around our relationship with Him—and we will find ourselves walking in the Spirit. We will find ourselves empowered by the life of Christ in us.
Imagine our lives as a huge water tank with 2 faucets running into it. From one faucet flows fresh clean spring water. From the other faucet flows dirty, filthy water. Both faucets will allow us to have the water we need; however, we have a choice as to what kind of water will benefit us the most. In Philippians 2: 5 Paul exhorts us to have the same attitude as that of Christ Jesus. Thus, as Followers of Jesus Christ we have a responsibility to speak life into the lives of others. When we are led by the Spirit people will be drawn to us and enjoy our company; however, when we use foul language or spout negativity and critical thinking we become a drain on others and suck the life right out of them leaving them wondering about our identity.
My challenge to each of us is to be on our guard and alert, making sure to take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ. Only then will our mouths speak words of life and hope to this lost and dying world.
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Dear Lord,
Forgive us, Lord, when we lose our way and live our lives as the world does, negative, critical, judgemental and selfish. Help each of us to set our minds on things above and not fall prey to the influence of our sinful nature. Transform us by the renewing of our minds that is in Christ Jesus and help us to start anew. May we breathe life into the lives of others and give them a little glimpse of who You are.
In Jesus Name,
Amen