Transform your Mind from Stuff to Savior

Posted by Tonya Fuller on Jan 3, 2012 in Daily Bread | 1 comment

Do you remember your mom saying, “If Johnny tells you to jump off a bridge would you do it?” Children often respond, “No!” yet when a friend tells them to do something that they know is wrong, they often are caught in the act. Christians are too enticed by the shiny, glamorous, greedy, and ultimately sinful culture that we live in. Some synonyms for entice include to lure, attract, decoy, and tempt. 

There is a constant battle of good vs. evil going on in our daily lives. Through the radio, internet, cable, and billboards it is impossible to escape the sinful traps that try to lure us away from the Lord. It is easy to forget about spiritual warfare when we are bombarded with the hottest new Christmas toy, Facebook status updates, Words with Friends, the Company party gossip, or perhaps the football game on ESPN. I’m not saying that the previous things are necessarily sinful, but they can definitely be decoy to ones walk with Christ. I know if I went throughout my day with the spiritual battle in the forefront of my mind I would probably be more cognoscente of the choices I make.

The following verses makes it very clear that there are two different kinds of lifestyles: living for the flesh or living for the Spirit. Romans 8:5-6 says: “Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.”

Although we may see our co-workers and family members living exciting and sinful lives with the newest fashion, trend, or hobby, we as Christians cannot shift our focus from what’s important. Rather than asking, “how can I please my co-workers, boss, or friends” we should be asking, “how can I please the Lord.” Especially around the Christmas season it can be easy to get focused on the “stuff” rather than the “Savior.” But if we can make this transformation, we will be able to live a life full of life and peace.

Discussion Questions

1. How can you refrain from giving into the temptation of the world? Ref. Isaiah 40:29-31
2. What can you do to influence non-Christians around you on a daily basis?