29/05/2026
What is Your Mindset?
Philippians 2:5 says: Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus. This verse reveals that it is possible to have the same mind as Christ. We can operate in this life with the same perspective, humility, love, faith and authority as Jesus did when he walked on this earth. However, we need to understand that this “mind of Christ” is not automatic. We have to “let this mind” be in us. We have to see what the scripture says about Jesus, and who we are in Him, and we need to renew our minds to these truths with the word of God.
If you think of the human mind as a computer, and the wisdom of God as being a sort of anti-virus program that can be uploaded (as you fill yourself with the knowledge of God and His Word) then you will be aware through the Holy Spirit – of anything that could harm you. Life presents us with choices every day, and unfortunately, often the most appealing option turns out to be the wrong one in the end. However, the choice is always ours, because God gave us a free will and He leaves it up to us. When you operate in life with the mind of Christ (following the Word of God) you are able to discern spiritual things that the natural man (or the unbeliever) cannot understand or see.
The way the world operates is called the ‘wisdom of the world.’ The Bible says concerning this kind of wisdom that: this wisdom descends NOT from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish (James 3:15). The problem is that the wisdom of this world often presents nice-sounding, common sense principles – which are very appealing to the senses, but as far as God is concerned, they are foolishness. Without good direction, people lose their way; the more wise counsel you follow, the better your chances (Proverbs 11:14).
There is an example in Genesis, concerning Abraham and his nephew, Lot. They had both become so prosperous with their flocks and herds, that the land was not able to support both of them. Because of that, there was continual strife between their servants and in order to stop the strife, Abraham said to Lot in Genesis 13:8: Let there be no strife, I pray you, between me and you, and between my herdsmen and your herdsmen; for we are men, brothers ... is not the whole land before you? I pray you, separate yourself from me. If you go to the left, then I will go to the right. Or if you go to the right, then l will go to the left. And Lot lifted up his eyes, and beheld all the plain of Jordan, that it was well watered everywhere ... then Lot chose all the plain of Jordan.
Lot’s choice was based on what he saw and what looked good to his natural, carnal mind. What he didn’t know, because he didn’t seek God, was that that plain of Jordan (which was the region of S***m and Gomorrah) that appeared so good – was actually a place of debauchery – and God was already angry with the people there. In the course of time, God destroyed the whole region of S***m and Gomorrah with fire and brimstone, and Lot ended up in a cave with his daughters, and with nothing else.
The Word of God says that these Old Testament examples are to teach us not to make the same mistakes. Lot made a choice with his senses, based on what looked good, felt good, and it ended up in destruction. For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever (1 John 2:16-17). The craving for physical pleasure, the craving for everything we see, and being preoccupied with ourselves and our possessions is what the world offers.
When we don’t know how to find the solution to an issue, we can feel like we’re stumbling along in the dark. But that will never happen when we consistently go to God first. He only gives directions that get us back on track. His desire is to bless us, and He has made us ‘partakers of the divine nature’ so that we can have all things that pertain to life and godliness through the KNOWLEDGE OF GOD (and His Word) whereby are given to us exceeding great and precious promises (2 Peter 1:3-4).
Looking to the Word will provide you with the answers you need, so that you’ll never have to be in the dark about anything. Rather than looking to the world’s wisdom for our answers to life’s problems, the Holy Spirit can shed light on every situation. Jesus said: I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life (John 8:12).
Do you need wisdom for a decision you have to make in life? God doesn’t want us to make decisions just because the situation appeals to our senses. He knows it might end in destruction, just like it did for Lot. Instead, let the wisdom of God guide you in your choice. Ask God to guide you and show you what He would have you do. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God … and it will be given to him (James 1:5).
God sees beyond the surface, and it is only with His wisdom that you can make the correct choices in life!
Karen Ryder
