The Mind of Christ

Some people believe that by changing the environment the individual

will be transformed. Definitely, we should avoid places and circum-

stances that can make us more vulnerable to temptation (Ps. 1:1, Prov.

5:1–8). But our problem with temptation and sin can be solved only

by the transformation of our own hearts (or minds). Christ touched the

core of the issue when He stated, “ ‘For it is from within, out of a per-

son’s heart, that evil thoughts come—sexual immorality, theft, murder,

adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and

folly’ ” (Mark 7:21, 22, NIV). This means that our minds need to be

transformed in order for our behavior to be changed.

Read the following texts: 1 Corinthians 2:16; Psalm 24:3, 4; Romans

12:2; Philippians 4:8; and Colossians 3:2. What does it mean to

have the “mind of Christ”?

The Lord had promised that under the “ ‘new covenant’ ” He would

put His law in the minds of His people and write it on their hearts

(Jer. 31:31–33, compare with Heb. 8:8–10, Heb. 10:16). It is no

surprise, then, that in the Sermon on the Mount, Christ broadened

and deepened the meaning of God’s commandments to the level of

thoughts and intentions (see Matt. 5:17–48). So, we can gain victory

over temptation only by God’s transforming grace and, at the level of

thoughts and intentions, we should claim that promise to stop sinful

thoughts.

We will always have sinful natures until Jesus comes. But if we are in

Christ, we are fully covered by His righteousness. Although we are not

yet perfect, we are considered already perfect in Him (Phil. 3:12–15).

“When we are united to Christ, we have the mind of Christ. Purity and

love shine forth in the character, meekness and truth control the life.

The very expression of the countenance is changed. Christ abiding in

the soul exerts a transforming power, and the outward aspect bears wit-

ness to the peace and joy that reign within.”—Ellen G. White, Selected

Messages, book 1, p. 337.

Only by a daily surrender, a daily death to self, a daily determined

effort, by faith, to be obedient to Jesus can we have this kind of trans-

formation in our lives.

Imagine what your life would be like if you could stop even sin-

ful thoughts. How different would your life be? What is the only

potential way to have this become your experience?