(The following was originally published at www.CareyGreen.com.)
When we talk about “mindset” we’re actually talking about where you FOCUS your thoughts.
And that’s the BIBLICAL definition.
In this video I’m going to walk you through the passage where the Bible makes the point that what you set your mind on is what will dictate your life.
Really, it’s there.
I’m also going to show you how the mindset you choose is your responsibility and give you some practical ways you can begin making the transition from an unhealthy mindset to a healthy one.
Think about a person who is constantly bemoaning their state in life. They complain about the things around them and what life is throwing at them. Often times, when their mind is laser focused on these negative things, even from the outside, you can see how the steps of their life tends to follow their complaints. Their lives seem miserable. They tend to misread people in most situations by interpreting them in the worst possible light (which confirms their negative mindset). And this is all due to what they choose to focus on.
Now, perhaps there are things that have happened in their lives that compel them to focus on these things and cause them to draw negative conclusions, but that doesn’t take away from the truth that the grace of God is available to everyone everyday. Jesus told us that He came so that we could have life – and have it abundantly!
So, we need to get our mindset (our focus) out of the negative gutter and into the positive realms.
When you have a negative mindset, there is no motivation to change or take charge. You feel like a perpetual victim to life’s bad circumstances and you resign yourself to that.
Romans 8:5-8 tells us:
5 For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. 6 For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. 7 For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God’s law; indeed, it cannot. 8 Those who are in the flesh cannot please God.
Did you notice that? Five times in three verses, Paul says that our minds can be set in a certain place. And its YOU (and me) who decide where our minds are set. The burden is on us.
Verse five tells us that anyone who is living a life that does not please God, but instead is hostile to God and self-centered, needs to know that this sinful life comes from their mind being set on things of the flesh. Meaning that by merely thinking constantly about angry, or lustful, or bitter, or bad things – this sets your mind’s focus and determines the type of life they lead, or produces a life that reflects these mindsets.
However, a mind that is set on the things of the Spirit -things that are true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, or praiseworthy (Philippians 4:8)… things that are centered around bringing about God’s goodness in your life – you then produce a life that is according to the Spirit.
So, here’s the takeaway: You get to choose your mindset each and every day. You can choose to focus on things the Bible calls “the flesh” which bring along death (things that are bad) to your life; or you can choose to focus on things of the Spirit which bring God’s blessings and lead to the kind of life that God loves.
Now, don’t get me wrong – the passage (nor I) am saying that if you simply think about the right things then everything in your life is going to go perfectly and easily. The verse is, however, contrasting what it’s like to have a negative, flesh-centered mindset with a positive, Spirit-based mindset. Given those two options: one leading to death and the other leading to life, which one would you choose?
The choice is up to you.
Take some time today to honestly assess which direction your mind is typically set. Then ask yourself where you are going to determine to set your mind each day. Finally, ask yourself what you are going to do to ensure that this conviction that you are making is going to happen every single day. I suggest implementing a daily morning mindset reset. Take the truth’s from God’s Word, set your mind on them, focus on them, and strategize how you will keep these truths at the forefront of your mind throughout the day.