Learning to think right

(Sermon by Ps. Chaitanya)

Romans 12:2 speaks about being transformed by the renewal of our mind. The way we think determines the way we act. So, the Bible gives so much importance to our mind and thoughts.

One example from the Old Testament that we can consider is the Israelites going to Canaan as spies. In Numbers 13: 25 – 14: 1-4, we see that the Israelites brought an evil report about the land of Canaan after spying the place. They definitely did consider the facts. They spoke about the positive facts that the land flowed with milk and honey and the fruits were big and abundant. But they also spoke about the negative facts that the inhabitants of Canaan were giants, who were very strong. The cities were fortified and very large. They decided to dwell in the negative facts and so believed that they can never defeat the giants and take over the land. This belief led them to grumble against Moses and God himself. They preferred going back to Egypt- the land from where God delivered them from slavery, from the promised land-Canaan. But there were two men among them who thought otherwise. Joshua and Caleb. They definitely did not deny the facts but they chose to believe in God who was able to fight on their behalf. They focused their thought on the greatness of God.

The facts about the land of Canaan led the Israelites to think and act negatively while Joshua and Caleb did otherwise. The result of this was that God was angry at the Israelites and brought judgement on them while He was pleased with Joshua and Caleb who went on to the promised land.

We are all faced with facts everyday. But what is our analysis?

Abraham knew that he and his wife cannot bear a child in their old age but he chose to analyse the facts and think about what God can do in his life. His faith was credited as righteousness to him.

God hears what we think. So, the meditations of our heart should be pleasing to Him.

So then how do we renew our minds? This is only possible when we dwell in the Word of God. Allow our thoughts and beliefs to be influenced by the Word. When we are faced with facts, we should see them in the light of the scripture which will bring about faith. This faith will translate into action. As important is prayer so is the Word of God.

There are 4 pillars of relationships that we have:

1. Relationship with God
2. Relationship with family
3. Relationship with our local church
4. Relationship with local and global community

We need to have a vision for all these relationships. For example, vision for our relationship with God can be to know Christ, to be transformed into the likeness of Christ and to bear the fruit of the Holy Spirit. We may face with facts like “I have sinned”, “I am falling into the same sin again and again”.  But our analysis should be based on the Scripture. Galatians 5:18 says be led by the Spirit and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. This will lead us to action which is to pray and submit so that we can be led by the Spirit.

Vision, facts, analysis and action applies to all the four pillars of our life. Our analysis of the facts should be in alignment with the Scripture which will build our faith. Thus, we will act as the ones led by the Spirit and not by the flesh.