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Are you out of your mind?

The word "repent" means "to have another mind". To change the mind in consequence of of the inconvenience or injury done by past conduct. And this is what God requires of His people; to turn away from our carnal mind and have the mind of Christ.

The mind I have by default, in my natural state, is of self-righteousness; "I am rich, god increased with goods, and have need of nothing". I must completely turn away from this attitude and like Paul cry "O wretched man that I am! Who shall deliver me from the body of this death?" It is only after such a change of mind that I can confess, "I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord." (Romans 7:24, 25).

Paul counsels us in Phillipians 2:5 that "LET THIS MIND BE IN YOU, WHICH WAS ALSO IN CHRIST JESUS." What mind is this? First of all, it is a mind that is totally emptied of self, entirely surrendered to God. Paul expounding on the mind of Christ declares, "But made himself of no reputation" (Phil. 2:7). Secondly, it is a mind that is under the full control of the Holy Spirit. My mind takes the back seat, not even the co-pilot, so that the thoughts, desires and actions proceed from God. Such was the mind of Christ.

Paul tells us that there are two minds possible in the life of a believer: the carnal mind via is "enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be". And the spiritual mind that gives life "because of righteousness"(Romans 8:5-10). The spiritual mind belongs to Jesus Christ and it is the one God wants to have. With such a mind we shall cease from sinning. It is a mind that cannot consent to sin, only to righteousness. Such a mind, though it will attract suffering and disappointment to the flesh each time we are tempted, will nevertheless glorify God. Is this not the desire we must all have in these last days?

James reminds us always that "every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning." (James 1:17). The mind of Christ is the perfect gift. Let us all turn to God and receive this mind-transplant.

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