Weekly Devotional 12-5-16 Not of the Same Mind

Weekly Devotional 12-5-16 Not of the Same Mind

It should not surprise us, we who have been born again, that many of those to whom we talk with are not of the same mind. This was reaffirmed to me recently when in discussion with a group of men. One of them observed that in relation to life’s experiences I seemed to be on a different page than him. Of course he was correct. The apostle Paul in writing to the Corinthians explained; “14But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.” (1 Corinthians 2:14 NKJV).

Certainly we who are born again Christians are of a different mind-set than those who have not had this life changing experience. How can they possibly understand something that they don’t have, or are not experiencing? Perhaps the taste of ice cream would be analogous to this. How can one define what ice cream tastes like to one who has never tasted it? A comparison with something else may give a clue, but said comparison will not truly identify the taste. Only the actual tasting of the ice cream will give one that understanding. It is the same with spiritual life. Unless one has experienced or is experiencing newness of life, one cannot possibly understand it.

Adam was created in union with God. Adam was in God’s will. He desired to honor and worship God. When he sinned he brought alienation from God to himself and his progeny. All of his descendants, which is all of mankind, were and are born self-willed. True worship of God is foreign to mankind (Adam’s descendants). True worship is replaced by the worship of self. However, when one is spiritually born again all of these things are overcome. The born again person again worships God. He seeks and does God’s will. This of course is a progression. The born again person is being conformed into the Image of Jesus Christ (see Romans 8:29 NKJV).

In addition, the born again person, if he allows himself to be led by the Spirit of God and not by the desires of his old nature, will be different. We read from Galatians 5:16-24 (NKJV ); “16 Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. 17For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish. 18But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. 19Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, 20idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, here-sies, 21envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. 24And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.”

Thank God that the natural man, such as the person mentioned above, recognizes something different in ones who are born again then they see in themselves. Thank God that this difference has been wrought by God and not by one’s self. Natural mankind does not understand this difference, but they recognize it. Perhaps by our example, they will desire this wonderful born again experience.

Lord, help us to be led by your Spirit. Help us to be surrender to Him.

stevelampman@comcast.net stevelampman.com
Transforming Power; The Work of God on Behalf of Man

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