When out for a walk the other day, I went by a house and could hear two people inside having a very loud argument. These verses reminded me: “I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment. For it has been reported to me by Chloe’s people that there is quarreling among you, my brothers.” (1 Corinthians 1:10–11)
As I think about the mind of Christ and
try to describe it, I know one thing for certain: I would never hear the
Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit having a shouting match. This is not only
unimaginable, but would never happen. The mind of God is not filled with
conflict, nor does any one of the three persons in the Godhead have a beef with
the others, or have a strong will that wants his own way. God is at one in
Himself and at peace with Himself.
My mind doesn’t work that way. I could
list pages of examples, but here are only a few of them that show how my mind
is in marked contrast with how God’s mind works . . .
I can jump on a bandwagon for my favorite
church or pastor, singer or music band, even what I think is the best city to
live in, or the best store to shop at, any number of things, but God isn’t into
that kind of partiality nor does He play favorites. The Bible says that His wisdom
“is first pure, then peaceable, gentle,
open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.” (James 3:17) He doesn’t defend Himself,
nor does He need to prove anything.
I can think I’ve got things figured out,
or admire those who do, but God says, “Where
is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age?
Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?” (1 Corinthians 1:20) We humans
only think we are wise, but compared to the mind of God, we know very little.
When it comes to thinking who would make
a great Christian, I might pick strong, intelligent, well-liked people.
However, this is not how God thinks. He says regarding our calling to Christ, “Not many of you were wise according to
worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. But
God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is
weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in
the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so
that no human being might boast in the presence of God.” (1 Corinthians 1:26–29) His
mind is so different from mine.
I think good leaders will automatically have
others serving them, but Jesus said, “The
greatest among you shall be your servant.” (Matthew 23:11) My mind would
say freedom is not having anyone bossing me around, but the Bible says, “Let every person be subject to the
governing authorities.” (Romans
13:1)
When I sin, my mind first thinks to cover
it up, not tell anyone, but God says, “Whoever
conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes
them will obtain mercy.” (Proverbs
28:13) My mind can harbor a grudge for a long time, but Jesus says
to me, “Love your enemies and pray for
those who persecute you.” (Matthew
5:44)
My mind also is very self-protective. I
want to take care of me, and think that I must do that to come out on top. But
again, Jesus is of another mind. He says, “For
whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my
sake will find it.” (Matthew
16:25)
This is why the God tells His people not
to conform to the world and even to our old ways. Instead, we are to let Him
renew our minds so that we are thinking His thoughts and not our own. God keeps
teaching me that unwillingness to do that means a gigantic conflict inside my
head— but willingness and a yielded mind brings peace and joy beyond
comprehension inside my heart.
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