How do we learn to think and use our minds the same way Jesus did? Three commands are given in the Scriptures for us to follow:
#1 The Will- Colossians 3:2 “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things”
This takes initiative on your part. When this is done you can override your instincts or feelings. We see this in the example of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. (Matthew 26:37-39 and Mark 14:36) He set His will to what God desired. Helping a child to say no, to not give in to impulses and to delay gratification are examples of strengthening the will.
#2 Transformation- Romans 12:2 “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”
We are to conform into the image of the Son. Our change should be noticeable. It is not just doing the right things, but becoming the right sort of person. God’s word teaches us how to be transformed that is why it is so important to learn and understand scripture. The purpose of knowing Scripture is to become equipped for good works.
#3 Ready for Action- 1 Peter 1:13 “Therefore, prepare your minds for action, be self-controlled, set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed.”
This means we are to strengthen our minds and put anything out of our minds that would hinder our Christian walk. We need to keep our minds on the alert, ready for action. As your child learns to have the thoughts of Christ and has a mind that is alive and single minded, you will notice:
- Your child’s conscience responding more quickly to the prompting of the Holy Spirit.
- Your child becoming more conscious of God throughout the day.
- Your child learning to rely on the truth of Scripture and the joy and peace of Christ helping to overcome the mental struggles of everyday life.
- Your child learning to pray and asking God when a decision needs to be made.
- Your child beginning to understand how to learn from the experiences and difficulties of life.
Are you teaching your child to think like Jesus? What is the focus of his/her world?
Are you able to counteract the influence of this world and teach your child to be singular focused? It is all about Jesus!
Once we begin to think like Jesus then we can act like Jesus.
This is adapted from Raising Kids to Love Jesus, by Norman Wright and Gary Oliver
Next Week’s Author: Sue Jones
This is so true! We must be proactive to teach our children these things, and something I need to remember–keep working on them myself!
Oh I so identify with ‘how to’s. Thank you for this Biblical wisdom. What a blessing it is to see our children more conscious of God throughout the day!
Love this as one of my heart’s deepest desires is to have both of my children love Jesus with all their heart, soul, and mind and be transformed in His image — thinking and acting like Him! “Raising Kids to Love Jesus” is one of my favorite parenting books. I so appreciate you sharing the godly wisdom you learned from it!