We talk often here about making a mind change and how that can make a big difference in our lives. But what is the relationship between a mind change and a heart change?
Certainly, the two are closely related. Sometimes to make one, you also have to make the other. Sometimes making one enables you to make the other. Sometimes they are almost indistinguishable.
Which is more needed depends on the challenge or temptation we are facing. If we are fearful, discouraged, anxious, or depressed what may most be needed is a mind change--shifting our focus from all the things that could go wrong or from negative thinking about ourselves to a focus instead on God’s power, his promises or our identity in Christ.
On the other hand, if we are tempted with sins like resentment, bitterness, a desire for power or recognition, an urge to pull away from someone, or a reluctance to cooperate, what is probably more needed is a heart change--a new attitude that works from the inside out.
Usually to make a mind change what we most need is faith--faith that God will bless a different focus. What is most often needed for a heart change is a recognition that something impure is in us along with a spirit of brokenness over what we have allowed. If we need trust to make a mind change, we need humility to make a heart change.
If we don’t make a needed change of mind, we will likely fail to thrive and overcome. If we don’t let God change a sinful, impure heart, we will not only be eaten alive from the inside, but we will also contaminate others.
“Search me, God, and know my heart…” (Psalm 139:23).
Tom:
ReplyDeleteThank you for your post on "Minds and Hearts"
As a Christian I know I am called to keep my eyes fixed on Jesus as I walk the stormy water's of life. Or, if you will, walk all the way to the Son.
A few days ago I was listening to Matthew 14. When the following struck me like never before:
28 "Lord, if it's you," Peter replied, "tell me to come to you on the water." 29 "Come, he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. 30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!"
It hit me. I hadn't fully surrendered an ongoing parenting concern to my heavenly Father. I realized, like Peter, I would at first walk toward Jesus. Only to take my eyes off of him when the storms of heartache, fear and doubt arose. I wasn't walking all the way to Jesus.
My thinking was unspiritual. I was relying on myself, and not on God. He gave me a mind & heart change. I decided come what may each day I would walk all the way to Jesus.
Glen
Thanks, Glen, for a real life example!
ReplyDeleteThanks Tom, I could use your thoughts from a weekend of battling doubts and faithlessness in an on going life issue for me. I thank God for help through his word and people like you that makes me take a step back from the emotions that come from my life situations and really look at what I need to change in my heart. Then I can clear my mind of my problems and think of God's great power in how he is working everything out the way he wants it. Thank you again for you taking your time each week to share.
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