Topic: Untarnished Mental Attitudes
Text: Ephesians 4: 23
Key verse: …and be continually renewed in the spirit of your mind [having a fresh, untarnished mental and spiritual attitude], Ephesians 4:23
A winning mindset is an outcome of being renewed in the spirit continually. The stress and pressure around us coming from the cares of this life, the harsh ungodly systems we work in, and the constant threats from the wicked are just a few things that weary the soul.
Lot was a man who was in a similar situation in his days.
…” and if He rescued righteous Lot, who was tormented by the immoral conduct of unprincipled and ungodly men( for that just man, while living among them, felt his righteous soul tormented day after day by what he saw and heard of their lawless acts ),” – 2 Peter 2:7-8
You can choose to give up and throw your hands in the air, believing that the end has come or you can believe the scriptures and continually adopt a positive attitude rooted in faith in the ability of God to do what he has promised no matter how long it takes to happen.
Daniel lived at a time when Babylon ruled the world, but he kept his mind renewed by constantly studying the books. These books contained details of God’s promises to his people. Remember Daniel was in captivity physically, but his spirit was not captive.
You might be in a very toxic place physically, an abusive marriage, a very tense work environment, or even a ministry where ungodly men lead. The key to staying renewed does not depend on other people but you.
Apostle Paul shares with us how he dealt with similar situations. “We never give up. Our bodies are gradually dying, but we are being made stronger each day. These little troubles are getting us ready for an eternal glory that will make all our troubles seem like nothing. Things that are seen don’t last forever, but things that are not seen are eternal. *That’s why we keep our minds on the things that cannot be seen*. – 2 Corinthians 4:16-18
His secret was to keep his eyes on the things that are not seen. His focus was on eternal results. This we can achieve by giving ourselves to the right activities.
Let the message about Christ fill your lives, while you use all your wisdom to teach and instruct each other. With thankful hearts, sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God. – Colossians 3:16
The Lord himself says concerning his word, that it is like rain and snow, that waters, refreshes, and renews the earth. Similarly, God\’s word whether in song, Psalms; or hymns is capable of producing an energizing and renewing result in the life of a believer.
“Rain and snowfall from the sky. But they don’t return without watering the earth that produces seeds to plant and grain to eat. That’s how it is with my words. They don’t return to me without doing everything I send them to do.” – Isaiah 55:10-11
Fill your life with the word of God daily, it will produce a fresh untarnished mental attitude that shuts out the lies and enforces the truth.
Therefore, rejecting all falsehood [whether lying, defrauding, telling half-truths, spreading rumors, any such as these], speak truth each one with his neighbor, for we are all parts of one another [and we are all parts of the body of Christ]. – Ephesians 4:25
The words we speak are a reflection of the state of our hearts, so fill your heart with the word of God, so your words will produce a positive attitude in others too.
Do not let unwholesome [foul, profane, worthless, vulgar] words ever come out of your mouth, but only such speech as is good for building up others, according to the need and the occasion, so that it will be a blessing to those who hear [you speak]. – Ephesians 4:29
Staying upbeat always is a choice, set your focus right on the Master and his example, and make daily choices to maintain the right mental attitude and your victory is assured because you have been made more than a conqueror already. Hallelujah!
looking away from all that will distract us and] focusing our eyes on Jesus, who is the Author and Perfecter of faith [the first incentive for our belief and the One who brings our faith to maturity], who for the joy [of accomplishing the goal] set before Him endured the cross, disregarding the shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God [revealing His deity, His authority, and the completion of His work]. – Hebrews 12:2(AMP)
Blessings
Roses&Thorns