From the moment we’re born, we are influenced by the world around us.
From the family we are born into, to the schools we attend, the friends we have, the groups we are involved in, all of it has a massive impact on the way we think, and what we believe is wrong or right.
Most of the time, we aren’t even aware of the impact that it’s all having. Quite often, especially at a young age, we take on what we see and hear, and accept it as truth.
For example, if you grew up in a western society, you were probably well exposed to the mindset that being extroverted, charismatic, and well-spoken is something that’s desirable.
If you google charisma, you will find plenty of articles on how to become more charismatic, and why it’s important. But we only believe those qualities are admirable because we have been taught that by our society.
If you lived in another culture, China for example, those qualities would be frowned upon. The Chinese culture believes that it is desirable to be quiet, respectful, more reserved, and softly spoken. Being loud and boisterous would be discouraged and looked upon unfavorably.
Or another example, if you grew up in a family where everyone is always talking over one another, and interrupting each other, you would more than likely think this is normal and inoffensive to do so.
Whereas if you grew up in a family where your parents told you over and over again, that it’s rude to interrupt and important to allow everyone to speak, you would feel entirely different about the matter.
And these are just two small examples among thousands. There are so many things we all believe, that wehave never thought to question, or even pray about.
Allowing God to reshape the way we think
Now, hear me out, I'm not saying that what we believe is wrong, some of the things we believe are wonderful. But I think it's important to lay everything we believe before Jesus, and ask him to highlight if there’s anything that doesn’t match his word.
There may be gaps in what we believe, but we’llnever be aware of it unless we ask the Lord to point it out.
Ephesians Chapter 4, verses 22-23 say, “You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds”
We were born into a fallen world, a world full of corruption and self-centered desire. But we have the privilege of stepping away from it and stepping into the truth of who God created us to be.
As we spend time with Jesus, he starts to renew the way we think and the way we see things.
Ephesians Chapter 4, verse 24 goes on to say, “to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.”
We are called to be like him, to walk as he walked and to think as he thinks. To be of one mind with him.
Gaining the mind of Christ
Having the mind of Christ, and being filled with wisdom from the Lord is so different to being filled with the wisdom of this world.
James Chapter 3, verse 17 says “Worldly wisdom can only lead to destruction, but the wisdom of God leads to purity, peace, gentleness, mercy and good fruits.”
Proverbs also talks a lot about wisdom. It says that Wisdom, knowledge, and understanding are more precious than gold, more valuable than silver, and that having them will lead to a happy and long life. (Proverbs Chapter 3, verses 13-18)
James Chapter 1, verse 5 says “if you would like the wisdom, or if you lack wisdom, you only need to ask the Lord, and he will gladly give it to you.”
And it’s so wonderful that the Lord not only is willing to teach us, but deeply desires to.
If you want to think as Jesus does, to have the mind of Christ, and to be filled with heavenly wisdom, all you have to do is ask for it.
Starting the journey with Jesus
As we spend time with God, if we are willing to listen, he will gently highlight to us the things we think or believe that aren’t of him.
If I could encourage you, I would say to ask him for truth and wisdom, ask him to highlight things in your life, and then wait.
It may not be a massive light bulb moment that hits you from the sky, or an instant mindset change. Sometimes he does it in an instant, but sometimes he takes his time to remold the way we think.
And that’s okay, it’s okay to be on the journey and to be learning from him.
In the midst of the journey, continue to seek him and truly get to know who he is, and trust that even if you don’t see it straight away, he is doing things in your heart.
Laura Wood is a new writer who lives on the Sunshine Coast, Australia. She’s quiteadventurous, loves people, and is passionate about Jesus.