Biblical Logos Blog

Society today is very “self” oriented. It doesn’t take long looking at Facebook or listening to people talk. You will see people’s general discussion is about themselves. I posted an article a while ago about a model for Biblical Counseling. In that article I outline how our minds can get stuck in our own self-focus. Recurring thoughts that are negative is what typically leads to depression. As Christians, God calls us to be exactly opposite of this:

Php 2:1-5  So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy,  complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.  Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.  Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.  Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 

Heb 13:15 – 16 Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name.  Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God. 

1Th 5:9 – 11 For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us so that whether we are awake or asleep we might live with him.  Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing. 

As we start the new year, let this be an encouragement to be “otherly”. As Paul wrote; “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Romans 12:2). As Christians we are to be set apart from this world (2 Corinthians 6:14-18). We are to follow the “Great Commandment” to “Love God and Love others” (Matthew 22:36-40). Let your mind think on these things:

Php 4:8  Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 

Walk in the Great Commandment and live out this year for others and not yourself. It is the mark of your Christian walk in the site of others. It is a witness to the transformation the Lord has made in your life!

Rom 12:1-2  I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.  Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.