When we talk about someone’s “mindset,” we use it as one word, talking about someone’s general attitude about something. If someone has an optimistic mindset, they will always assume that a given situation will work out favorably. If someone has a more traditional mindset, they may be more resistant to change or feel more nostalgia for “the way things used to be.” While the Bible certainly talks about what our mindset should be, think for a moment about where our mind should be set.
The what and where of our mindset are clearly correlated: a pessimistic mindset is focused on the worst-case scenario. If someone has a “business mindset,” they are likely going to view issues with some form of cost-benefit analysis. What about a Christian though? What should our mind be set on, and how does that affect our mindset?
Romans 8:5-8 addresses this idea with Paul writing, “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. For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. 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. Those who are in the flesh cannot please God.” Paul clarifies the distinction between a Christian mindset and a non-Christian one. A worldly mindset is just that: a mind that is set, or focused, on the things of this world. If we are constantly thinking about physical comfort, status, pleasure, wealth, etc. then of course it will be difficult for us to focus on spiritual things! Paul says simply, “the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God.” So how do we manage these two mindsets?
A poignant example of the conflict between these two mindsets is the rich young ruler in Matthew 19:16-22 (see also Mark 10:17-22 and Luke 18:18-23). We are told of a young man who was evidently an obedient follower of the law of Moses. He also happened to be young, successful, and rich. From a worldly perspective, one might say “he had it all.” From a spiritual perspective, Jesus tells him he is lacking something serious. Jesus tells him that he needs to sell everything he has and give it to the poor. Even for those who do not have “great possessions” like this man did, that would be difficult! We are then told that this man went away distraught, because he did not want to do what Jesus had asked him to do. While some people may debate whether or not Jesus literally intended this young man to sell everything he owned, the point is this: he was suffering from a split mindset. As the saying goes, he wanted to have his cake and eat it too. He wanted to follow Christ and have eternal life, but he wanted to stay rich and successful. Just as we read in Romans, this young man is feeling some hostility toward Christ’s demands because his mind is stuck on his worldly possessions.
Romans 8 has a lot to teach us about what is truly valuable in life and what our mind should be set on every day. Are we more worried about financial gain or spiritual gain? Economic stability or the hope of heaven? Networking and ladder-climbing or spreading the gospel far and wide?
As Jesus says in Matthew 6:21, “for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
Finally, here are a few ways to set our minds on the Spirit today:
1. Check your focus on material things. Are you worried about money even though you know you are well taken care of? Are you constantly wishing you had more stuff or nicer stuff? Remember the rich young ruler and remember you can’t take it with you!
2. Set your mind on Scripture. What better way to focus on the Spirit than to focus on His words? Read a chapter. Write a verse on a sticky note and put it on your mirror. Come up with a list of 5 encouraging verses to read when you are having a rough day. However you can, get in the Word!
3. Make sure you are surrounded by good influences. If we are constantly surrounded by people who do not care about spiritual things, it will be easy to slip into their mindset. If we are consuming media that promotes sensuality, materialism, or some other form of worldliness, we are not setting ourselves up for success!
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