My eyes scanned the short list of course-possibilities. I needed three more science hours for my college degree. The one that best fit my schedule? Ornithology. I was not enthused. Birds simply did not hold my interest.
I expected to just endure that class; instead I became enthralled, mainly because the professor was so enthusiastic. With humor and energy he shared his passion, and slowly his students became fascinated too. The more we learned, the more appreciative we became of the avian world.
To this day, I’m quick to grab my binoculars and study a pecking flicker or an upside down nuthatch dangling at the end of a branch. At least once a week my curiosity sends me to the bird guide so I can refresh my memory about habits (Should the robins still be here?) or exact names (Is that a downy woodpecker or a hairy?).
(It’s a hairy!)
Delight has determined my direction toward bird enthusiast.
No doubt you’ve discovered delights that determined direction also–into hobbies, book genres, even careers.
Eons ago, an anonymous psalmist recommended a supreme delight that determines a positive, satisfying life-direction: taking pleasure in God’s Word (Psalm 1:2).
“I don’t know about that,” someone might say. “I’ve tried reading the Bible. It simply does not hold my interest.”
After my transformation from bird-ignorer to bird enthusiast, I’d suggest that not only is interest possible, it is guaranteed if we:
- Attend class.
My professor, Dr. Burkholder, could not have changed my attitude if I had not been present. Neither can God perform his miracle of life-transformation if we don’t attend his class, in his Word. And our teacher is none other than the passionate Holy Spirit, who will guide us into all truth (John 16:13). How glorious is that?
- Stay focused.
Mindless listening to a lecture or distracted reading of a textbook results in little learning. That’s why we were taught to take notes in school. The same strategy works well while listening to Bible teaching or reading scripture for ourselves. I’ve been amazed by the discoveries and questions that come to mind when pen and paper are handy, compared to when they aren’t.
- Seek treasure.
Dr. Burkholder shared with us astounding trivia from the bird world. For example, did you know young hummingbirds that have never migrated before know when to leave their northern homes, how far to travel south, and when to stop—without benefit of other hummers? They fly solo too, even the first time. (Yet another proof of the genius of Creator God.)
God’s Word includes treasure far more valuable than intriguing trivia—such gems as: faith-building promises, wise guidance, worthy examples to follow (and some examples of what to avoid!), and uplifting encouragement–all ready to be discovered by those who seek.
- Pray
Here’s where the analogy to my ornithology class breaks down. I can’t imagine one of us going to Dr. Burkholder and saying: “Open my eyes so that I will observe amazing things from your instruction.”
Yet those words make perfect sense when addressed to God. In fact, an anonymous psalmist said exactly that (119:18, ISV).
To read the whole Bible may seem overwhelming—it’s long and some parts are difficult to understand. But who says we have to start from the beginning and read straight through?
The internet offers numerous plans. One site that intrigued me:
http://journeynyc.com/spiritual-growth/bible-reading-plans/
They offer a number of different options, sure to meet the needs of just about anyone—from biblical novice to scholar.
When questions arise, help is available at any number of websites. Two that I like include: www.bible.org and www.gotquestions.org.
Perhaps growing in our delight of God’s Word this year would be more impactful than any other resolution. After all, he made us. Developing delight in his Instruction Manual can’t help but lead us in a positive direction.
What delights in the Bible have helped determine positive direction in your life? Share an example in the Comments section below.
* “Delight determines direction”— a quote from Ray Pritchard, author and president of Keep Believing Ministries.
P.S. For 2017 I’ll be posting just once a week in order to allow time for other projects and for assisting our son and daughter-in-law when Baby Girl #2 arrives (sometime mid-January). I do hope you’ll still return each Thursday for a new post.
(Art & photo credits: www.pixabay.com; http://www.flickr.com; http://www.pinterest.com (2); http://www.wikipedia.org; http://www.pinterest.com; http://www.pixabay.com.)
From the Inside Out 
The Mind of Christ
Posted in Bible Study, Blessings, Encouragement, Godly Character, Maturity, Meditation, Uncategorized, tagged 1 Corinthians 2:16, 1 Corinthians 2:16 commentary, Bible Study, Galatians 2:20, Galatians 5:22-23, God's Creative Genius, Philippians 1:6, Romans 8:6, The mind of Christ on November 3, 2014| 10 Comments »
“Who has known the mind of the Lord?” Paul asked (1 Corinthians 2:16).
That’s an easy question to answer: Nobody! His intellect and wisdom are far beyond our human ability to comprehend.
After all…
God has worked out the complexities of every living cell–with perfect precision.
(X-ray microscopy combine to picture interior of living cell)
He has engineered a staggering number of specialized plants and creatures, carefully interrelated in a web of reliance upon one another.
He has created the unfathomable reaches of the universe filled with countless heavenly bodies of immeasurable proportions.
(Spiral Galaxy M74)
Such intellect and wisdom to accomplish these feats is incredible.
Yet, at the end of that same verse above, Paul makes a statement even more astounding. In fact, at first glance it seems ludicrous.
“We have the mind of Christ.”
What? How is that possible? His knowledge and wisdom are infinite; ours is markedly limited.
But Paul makes clear: we have the mind of Christ because he lives within us (Galatians 2:20).
Not that we can know everything and respond with pure wisdom in all situations. Our perfection is a process that won’t be completed until Jesus returns (Philippians 1:6).
But my heart beats a little bit faster to realize that, each day and for all my tomorrows, I might think more like Jesus, understand more like Jesus, and react more like Jesus.
One particular action will encourage progress: spending time with him, especially in his Word.
Here’s an analogy, though far from perfect. Steve and I have been married a very long time—forty-four years. At this point, we can finish each other’s sentences, supply missing information or words in a conversation, and sometimes even know what the other is thinking.
It’s as if we’ve acquired a bit of the other person’s mind. And it’s happened bit by bit, over time.
So I repeat: We will have the mind of Christ as we spend time with him day by day– especially in his Word.
And how will we know that his way of thinking is becoming our way of thinking? After all, there’s no measuring stick for spiritual growth.
Oswald Chambers, in My Utmost for His Highest, posed an excellent question that can help us determine our progress:
“Are other people beginning to see God in my life more and more (p. 78)?” Because a person with the mind of Christ will demonstrate Christ-like behavior.
Perhaps we could take an occasional inventory, based on the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). The attributes listed in these two verses characterize a person with the mind of Christ–someone who is loving, joyful, peace-filled, patient, kind, good, and so on. We could ask ourselves, how have I demonstrated these attributes this week?
And what will be the result of cultivating the mind of Christ? “The mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace” (Romans 8:6).
Life that is characterized by vitality and purpose.
Peace that includes inner-contentment, freedom from guilt, and security for eternity.
That sounds awfully good to me.
* * * * * * * * * *
Heavenly Father, we praise you for taking us into the high places of blessing in Jesus. That includes this gift: the mind of Christ. And day by day you are transforming us into his likeness, with ever-increasing glory. May I seize this day and its opportunities to think like you, understand like you, and react like you.
(Ephesians 1:3; 2 Corinthians 3:18)
Art and photo credits: www.lbl.gov; http://www.chesapeakebay.net; http://www.hubblesite.org; http://www.crosspointenwa.com; http://www.pinterest.com; http://www.changingthefaceof christianity.com; http://www.footsoldier4christ.com; http://www.motivationalquotes.com.
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