Let This Mind Be In You - Transformed Mindset!!!

Let this Mind Be In You – Transformed Mindset!!!!! Philippians 2:5 “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus” What does this mean exactly? How can we as humans adopt the mindset of Christ? After all; we were all born as sinners (Psalms 51:5).

I am not sure about you; but I would hear this mindset message all too often and it would somewhat annoy me because I would be like “how in the world can we have a mind of Christ when we are like filthy, dirty rags” (Isaiah 64:6)? 

For the life of me; I could not grasp this concept nor did I understand such a command. Now; I did understand “obeying my father and mother and that my days would be long”; as well as “paying tithes and offerings”; ensuring not to rob God and so many others but adopting Christ mindset was impossible and unrealistic (as though I thought).

No one really took the time to delve deep into the scriptures and explain exactly what it said; everything was taught on surface. I would hear the seasoned Christians quote scriptures with little to no understanding following.

It was only when I became more mature in my walk with God and was able to sit under a Pastor who understood the Word and was able to explain it in laments terms what God was trying to say to His people.

Adopting the mindset of Christ is basically allowing the way you think to be transformed once you accept Christ as your Saviour. There is no possible way; your thoughts or behavior can remain the same and you are fruitful according to God’s Word. It’s simply impossible; our minds are something else and if we do not bring every imagination and high thing that exalt itself against the knowledge of God, and bring into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; we will be defeated.

The enemy comes to steal, kill and destroy and he often uses the mind to do just that. If the devil can attack your mind successfully; he has you captive. The same way God has a plan for your life (Jeremiah 29:11); so does the devil (1 Peter 5:8); but he also knows that he is defeated and will spend eternity in hell (Revelation 20:10).

In knowing this; we have to be aggressive in not allowing him to influence or overtake our minds. We have to be assured that Christ is in us; the hope of Glory and greater is He that is in us; than He that is in the world. Although the world may display a different picture; we have to accept truth (Gods Word) and live it. Whoever told you that once you got saved; you were “Scott Free”; and your life would be blissful? They lied to you!  

The enemy will attack you (including your mind) even the more because you are no longer on his side. You are now a #Threat to the kingdom of darkness. Everything begins with a thought; your mind is one of the most powerful and sharpest weapon; and the devil knows that.

Dennis Avey said it best when he said “The mind is a powerful thing. It can take you through walls.” I wholeheartedly believe this; it is up to you which walls you will allow it to take you through.

So; how can one adopt the mindset of Christ? I am glad you asked.

•First and foremost; you have to accept Christ as your Lord and savior and commit to living for him. (Romans 10:9)

•Mediate on God’s word always (Joshua 1:8)

•Walk in love toward others regardless of how they treat you (1 Corinthians 13; Matthew 5:44). I know this is difficult but it is vital in having the mind of Christ and living a fulfilled life in God. •Let Go of the Pass – You are living in your Now years; not your yesterday (Philippians 3:13-14) – Get rid of the waste or you will dissolve in it!

•Be Determined to think on good things… Period DOT! – (Philippians 4:8; Romans 12:2) Until next time; let’s be Mindful! Adopted Christ Mindset,

Treal Ravenel,
Co-Founder of Detour Movement Inc.

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Resolving Conflict Between Friends

I remember back in high school where there were those girls who were known to confront someone based on a rumor that got back to them or when they had a disagreement with another person.  I can recall at the time how other students made it so taboo when one of these girls would confront them or someone they knew.  Sometimes these girls would bring a friend along to witness the whole situation.  Oftentimes people thought a fight would eventually breakout but often that was not the case.  As I have grown in Christ, I have learned that this type of confronting is actually a very important biblical teaching.   For in Matthew 15:18 if someone trespasses or sins against you, you should go tell him his fault and keep the drama between you in the other person.   If that person is bullheaded or try to be manipulative then you should bring one or two witnesses along with you.  If then that person still will not hear you out, then you are free to tell the world or scripture says you should tell the Body of Christ (aka the world ;-))  It is extremely important for us to confront our friends, family and even our enemies for the purpose of reconciliation.  This allows us to resolve any misunderstanding, to hold the offender accountable for their violation, and to maintain mutual respect.  More often than not, conflict arises out of differences of opinion of two parties or from sin (adultery, lying, jealousy, envy, proud, greed, etc.).  And sin born all types of emotions from a temporary feeling of pleasure, fulfillment to bitterness, resentment, and/or irrevocable hatred.  Because we all have our own minds that has been shaped by our family, religion, education, genetics, environment (regionally) etc., we all have different opinions on various issues, various beliefs and values, and even various attitudes.   In addition, our gender has a huge influence on shaping our perspective.  The fact of the matter is conflict is a part of life and no healthy relationship will exist without conflict (Larry Alan Nadig, PH.D 2012)  According to Dr. Nadig there are various styles of resolving conflict from avoidance or denying the conflict even exist, to giving in rather than working through the conflict, sometimes folks become angry and blame the other person and plays the role of Vicky (victim), “others are competitive and try to win; using their power and influence to control and get their way”, others appear to be compromising but subtly being manipulative trying to gain more ground, while others give up their self-serving pursuit and genuinely seek a fair solution which is known as creative integrative approach (Nadig 2012).   Growing up I practiced avoidance and denying, being fearful that bring up a disagreement or conflict would offend the other person, make me appear difficult/problematic, cause the situation to escalate or just out right end the relationship.  As I’ve matured well over into adulthood, I discovered conflict is paramount in order for me to have healthy relationship with others & myself and to avoid those negative feelings I mentioned above.  Conflict can sometime be a gate way to liberation; freeing us from holding all these feelings inside.  Prior to that time, I would foolishly suppress my feeling in the name of peace.  But I do not believe I am the only one who has practiced this type of conflict resolution.  I believe we all have suppressed our feeling at one point or another or act cowardly talking about others behind their back and refuses to address the issue that was bothering us.  Not only does this create an unhealthy relationship between us and the other person, but must shamefully it creates an unhealthy relationship with ourselves.  The relationship with ourselves is the most important relationship we have outside of our relationship with God.  In effort to elevate our relationship with ourselves and others to another level, I encourage you to confront folks when something they do or say is not true or accurate or make you feel disrespected, verbally assaulted or just uncomfortable.  The best time is on the spot right when the incident occurs if you are not emotional charged.  If you are emotionally charge, pray about the situation, wait until you gain control over your emotions and then confront the person keeping the end in mind, reconciliation.  In order to achieve a creative integrative approach you should be prepare with one or two solutions to rectify the situation.  If you are the person being confronted, I challenge you to first seek to understand the other person, before seeking to be understood (Steven Convey).  Be respectful of the person's feeling and concerns and think of a solution to resolve the issue at hand and strategies on how to avoid this type of situation in the future.  Remember that this type of approach resolve problems and differences rather than the false perception of creating one.  Well until next time, that ti my time.  Be blessed!

Jill Bulluck
Co-Founder to Detour Movement Inc. 

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