Fresh Thoughts

     I was recently reading a book that sparked an interesting idea.  The renewed mind.  What kind of thoughts pop into mind?  My thoughts were drawn to a lined comparison chart on a sheet of notebook paper and the verses in Ephesians 4:20-24.   You know, the kind where the left column has the "Pros" and the left column has "Cons".  I started mentally rambling to myself about what I would have on each list.  The old mind vs. the new mind (or renewed mind). There are so many possibilities and I will let you write your own list (after all, this is a blog focused on original thoughts).
     To truly populate such a list we need to look at the context of those verses. Here they are:
                        .v20 But you did not learn Christ this in this way, if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught in Him, just as truth is in Jesus, that, in reference to your former manner of life, you lay aside the old self, which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit, and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth.
     The first thing that pops out to me is the questioning of the "learner"."IF" you HEARD Him.  Now this is not to sew doubt into your mind about whether or not you're hearing the right voice, it is simply making a point.  His voice is the propellant toward renewing your mind.  We need His voice and His teaching to have a renewed mind.  His voice renews our mind.  That is something I could say over and over and over.  Unfortunately, the impact of that repetition here in this forum, would reduce its' effectiveness.  Why do we need a renewed mind?  How can it help our daily life?  Can it lead us to new places?  What is so different about the renewed mind and why is is better than the former?
     The former mind or way of thinking is, according to the text we read, being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit.  Lust is desire amplified by the wrong source. It can consume, destroy, and completely alter the desired effects.  Is there a difference between a man loving a woman and a man lusting after a woman? The answer is a resounding YES!  The way the text talks about that lust is genius and completely on point.  It is being fueled by deceit. Deceit and lies never lead to the appropriate outcome.  Our lust, being fueled and propelled by deceit, will ultimately distort and pervert what we wanted in the first place. This "old" mind is our archenemy.  It takes what we desire and make it unattainable and unachievable  thus leading us down the frustrating path of disappointment.  Who would want that?  I know that everyday provides each of us with circumstances that are difficult, why would we want continual enmity with ourselves?
     The renewed mind, on the other hand, is the polar opposite.  It gives us the opportunity to see our desires fulfilled. We all have thoughts, dreams, and visions of what tomorrow will hold. The renewed mind will give us a new and more appropriate means of achieving them.  We will be able to see our dreams become a reality.  Creativity and wisdom will be our portion.  Unique perspectives and originality will be our position.  Godliness, righteousness, and truth will be our guide.  With the renewed mind, our limitations disappear.  We will no longer focus on the unattainable, we will set our sights on the heights of heaven and earth. It is possible to dream too big for us, but what is too big for God?
     The new self and renewed mind is in the likeness of God.  What the heck does that mean?  Well, define God and you will define what that means.  What attributes to you assign to God?  This is a loaded question that you may not want to answer.  The list will indicate what you are supposed to be.  Godliness is the likeness of God.  Remember what the verse said?  His voice leads you into his likeness. Are you ready for that ride?  Is there anything that He says that does not come to pass?  Is there any desire in His heart that he doesn't fulfill?  Is there any miraculous thing he cannot perform?  To be in the likeness of God is challenging and scary.  What if we can't do it? lol!  We can't.  He can do exceedingly abundantly more than we could ever ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory (Ephesians 3:20-21).
     I know that some of you are reading this and thinking that your dreams and hopes could not possibly be from God.  I know this may be a particularly hard pill to swallow, but it is possible.  Psalms says if you delight yourself in the Lord, he will give you the desires of your heart.  It is often difficult to disassociate the God we think we know from the actual God who sent the perfect sacrifice to set us truly free.  The renewed mind will enable you to think, feel, and see things from a fresh perspective.  We need the renewal of our mind so we can filter out the decomposing enemy that is within.  We need to see the world through the eyes of God.  A God that loves seeing his creation fulfill its purpose.  His response to our acting in his likeness is favor, blessing, and positive returns on our investments.
     Unique perspectives are not just for the intelligent elite, they are for those who enter into their destiny.  I can understand that those with original thoughts are often filtered and filed.  They are treated like those who commit treason, and made to feel spiritually/mentally inferior. Don't let that happen.  Many originals were thought of as crazy radicals. Galileo anyone?   Original thinking has led to some of the greatest discoveries the world has ever known.  We can look at the work of others and learn from them, but we should never be those that regurgitate someone else's thoughts. We must pick up where they left off, that's why it's so important!  The results of the renewed mind give glory to God (Remember Ephesians 3:20-21 and its discussion about your desires?). What are you asking for and thinking about?  It better be big!!
     We are a unique part of creation and what we have to offer will befit the world.We NEED to begin to think for ourselves with our renewed mind.  It only works if we step out of our former selves and into our proper place.  Make the lists mentioned in this post.  Begin to wonder. Stretch beyond the easy task of quotations and traditional limitations. You'll be glad you did!!

- Micah

The theme

Often people quote others and sometimes it is appropriate. Most time it is just a regurgitation of information, and a substitute for a unique thought. We are people of inspiration and creativity, and we must start thinking for ourselves! The purpose of this blog is for all who are weary, frustrated, and just-plain-done thinking others thoughts! It's time for an original thought REVOLUTION...... Join me!!

MJ