I don't know about you but I struggle with keeping my mind fully on Christ. Every single day is a battle between doing what is right and true and living as the world lives. My life is a constant battle between wanting to have a deeper relationship with Jesus and wanting to have a place in this world. There are many times I struggle with living in this world yet not being of this world. This is especially true when I am in constant contact with non or complacent Christians. Sometimes my life verse is Romans 7:19 saying, "For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing."
I do not seem to struggle at all when I can be alone or with Christians who encourage me in my walk. In my time alone, I often am listening to Christian music, sermon podcasts of many preachers whom I respect, or Christian scholar lectures. I'm sure at this point most of your are saying I need to get a life but the constant influx of scriptures, interpretations of scriptures, and soul affirming music help to keep me centered in Christ. I constantly crave these times of learning and worshipping Christ. My soul needs it. My soul needs Him.
The deepest passion of my heart is to follow Christ in every single aspect of my life. I want my life to mirror what Peter is talking about in 1 Peter 1:13-16 saying, "Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written,'You shall be holy, for I am holy.'" When I spend most of my day immersed in Christ, I find that I can do fairly well of living this passage.
The reality is that most of us are unable to live our lives constantly immersed in scriptural teaching, music, and prayer. So how do we live for Jesus in those times where we are interacting directly with the world? Paul says in Romans 12:2, "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." When we trust the Holy Spirit to lead our lives, we will notice that He is constantly working to renew our minds. This verse does not imply that this will be an instant process though because the second part of the verse says you will go through testing to help you discern God perfect will for you.
Philippians 4:8 helps us better understand what a renewed mind should look like saying, "brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things." In the process of striving to live Philippians 4:8, we also have to live 2 Corinthians 10:5b saying, "take every thought captive to obey Christ." By learning to live fully in both of these verses, we begin to take strength when we are surrounded by the world.
Though I still struggle greatly with living in these powerful verses daily, I can see the Lord continually drawing me closer to Him. All of these verses ultimately point us to the idea presented in Philippians 4:13, "I can do all things through him who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13 is the answer to finding complete contentment no matter what situation you find yourself in. Each day I wake up, I strive to live this contentment in Christ. Some days are better than others but as I continue to rely on Him, I know He will be faithful to draw me into a closer and more consistent daily walk for Him.
I hope these scriptures will help you to battle waywardness in your daily Christian walk. I pray that you will memorize and tuck these verses deep in your heart as ammunition against the devil when he tries to pull you into the world's ways. Take heart Christian for Jesus has overcome the world! In Jesus you to can walk in strength and boldness daily.
Blessings,
Greg
My wife and I feel an intense calling on our lives for missions and full-time ministry. We have created a fundraiser to help us overcome one hurtle to us being able to go to the mission field. I pray that you will take a moment and check out this link. I thank you for your consideration and ask that you seek the Lord's guidance in considering contributing to this fundraiser. Thank you.
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