3 Strategies to Grow in a Christ-Like Mindset
Before we act, before we speak, or before we do anything, we think. That is why these 3 strategies to grow in a more Christ-like mindset really matter.
Our words and actions can sure get us in trouble and derail our journey to heaven. Eternity is at the end of the road for everyone who has ever lived on this earth. (John 5:24)
Most people live their moments without a thought as to how their life will impact them for all eternity. Even Christ-followers live their fleeting days as if they won’t have to make an account for their life. (James 4:14)
We forget.
We make bad choices.
We live recklessly and selfishly.
I have too!
BUT . . . I hope that in the few moments it takes you to skim down through these words, that you and I will become a whole lot more mindful of each moment we have left.
Put Your Faith in Christ
Only let us hold true to what we have attained.
Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us. Philippians 3:16-17
Face to face with Christ my Savior,
Face to face–what will it be
When with rapture I behold Him,
Jesus Christ who died for me?
Chorus:
Face to face I shall behold Him,
Far beyond the starry sky;
Face to face in all His glory,
I shall see Him by and by!
Having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, Ephesians 1:18
Before we act, speak or do anything, we have thoughts that go through our minds. Thoughts are what make up our motives behind our actions.
When our thoughts are not on the eternal, it can have far-reaching effects that will impact all of our eternity.
That is why we need these 3 strategies to grow in a Christ-like mindset. We need to be imitators of Jesus.
3 Strategies to Grow Your Christ-like Mindset
1. The Mindset to Know Christ
That is why we need to have the mindset to know Christ.
To be found in Him.
Not having any righteousness that is based on our own doings or successes.
Our righteousness is knowing Jesus Christ and having our righteousness coming directly and only from having FAITH in Christ.
And be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith— Philippians 3:9
2. The Mindset to Imitate Christ
We are to run hard for our reward of heaven. Never giving up.
Run your race with determination and persistence, not because you are a great runner but because you are imitating the greatest runner in history.
Jesus is God, yet he came to earth so he could die for our sins. He ran the race perfectly so that we could imitate him.
A runner doesn’t turn to look back to see if he is running better and faster than anyone else. If he did, his whole body would twist and turn and he would fall.
A runner keeps his eyes on the goal ahead.
He presses on toward the goal for the prize. (Philippians 3:14)
Pray and ask God to help you become mature and perfect like Christ.
Ask Him to change your mindset into one that holds true to what you have attained. To the gift of eternal life, He has already given.
Hold fast to the hope of eternal life and when that moment comes when your life on earth is over, in a moment, in a twinkling of an eye, you will be with Jesus.
There wasn’t one single moment that my mother was dead. She went from life to life everlasting. Forever and ever.
Only let us hold true to what we have attained.
Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us. Philippians 3:16-17
3. The Mindset of Humility
You cannot be Christ-like without having the mindset of humility.
Jesus’ life embodied humility from the moment he was born in a stable and placed to sleep in the manger. (Luke 2:1-20)
The whole purpose of his life led to the cross. He knew his destination.
His compassion and love were shown to all he met. Sometimes his love was firm or even stern as he dealt with sinners who refused to believe he was the Son of God. (Matthew 12:38-42)
Our culture encourages anything besides humility. It is hard for a Believer to walk in humility because pride and selfish ambition are acceptable.
If you accomplish something and make it to the top, it is more than acceptable to be proud of your work.
When our children are well behaved or excel in school, it is expected that parents and grandparents will be proud of their accomplishments.
We are filled with shame when our children struggle in school or are rebels. How do we brag about them to our friends?! By the way, this is pride in reverse and not humility at all.
So how do we walk in humility like Jesus and be more Christ-like?
We who are mature and ‘perfect’ after Christ, understand that our perfection has nothing to do with our own accomplishments.
Our accomplishments are because God created us and because the Holy Spirit is living inside us.
Not that I have already attained this . . . we say this to leave room for growth in Christ-likeness because we are growing in Christ-likeness our whole lives.
We don’t get saved and all of a sudden become totally like Christ. That would be nice, right?
Walking in humility is the most amazing journey through life because we are in passionate pursuit of Christ.
We are not giving the impression that we have already attained Christ-likeness because in our humility we know we have not arrived.
And . . .always remember to . . .
How did this resonate with you? Did it give you an excitement for the eternal waiting for you at the end of your life?
How can I pray for you?
