Living in Alignment with God’s Will and The Mind of Christ

Introduction:

In the journey of Christian faith, believers often find themselves wrestling with the dichotomy between the “carnal mind” and the “renewed mind.” The carnal mind, also referred to as the “worldly mind,” is inclined toward sin, temptation, and the distractions of the flesh. On the other hand, the renewed mind is aligned with the will of God, filled with peace, love, and the presence of the Holy Spirit. The Apostle Paul speaks to this struggle in Romans 7:22-25, where he describes the conflict between his desire to do good and the law of sin at work within him:

“For in my inner being I delight in God’s law; but I see another law at work in me, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within me. What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death? Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!” (Romans 7:22-25)

However, this struggle is not a sign of defeat but an opportunity for transformation. The carnal mind and the renewed mind are not two separate entities but rather points on a spectrum that believers can skillfully navigate with intentional practice. In this post, we will explore a systematic approach to moving from the carnal mind to the renewed mind.

1. Recognize the Current State: Awareness

“Be still and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10)

The first step in this journey is to become aware of the current state of your mind. This stillness is not just physical but also mental—a quieting of the mind to become aware of its current condition.

• Practical Step: Begin each day with a period of silence and reflection. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal any thoughts, feelings, or actions rooted in the carnal mind. This practice of awareness is akin to what is known in other traditions as mindfulness—being fully present and attentive to the state of your mind without judgment.

2. Detachment from the Carnal Mind: Putting Off the Old Self

“You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” (Ephesians 4:22-24)

In Ephesians 4:22, believers are called to “put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires.” This step involves recognizing when your mind is aligned with the flesh—thoughts of anger, fear, pride, and judgment—and consciously choosing to detach from them.

• Practical Step: Throughout the day, practice noticing when your thoughts are driven by the carnal mind. When you recognize such thoughts, gently release them, understanding that they do not define your true identity in Christ. This is a process of “taking every thought captive to make it obedient to Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5). It’s not about rejecting the worldly mind but redirecting it towards the truth.

3. Cultivation of the Renewed Mind: Putting On the New Self

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Romans 12:2)

The Apostle Paul urges believers to “be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” This renewal is an ongoing process. In Christian practice, this involves immersing oneself in prayer, scripture meditation, and aligning one’s thoughts with the teachings of Christ.

• Practical Step: Choose a scripture that speaks to the renewed mind, such as Romans 12:2, and meditate on it throughout the day. Let this scripture guide your thoughts and actions. Whenever you find your mind slipping back into carnal patterns, return to the scripture as your anchor. Regularly spend time in prayer, asking the Holy Spirit to renew your mind and guide your thoughts.

4. Union with Christ: The Mind of Christ

“For, ‘Who has known the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?’ But we have the mind of Christ.” (1 Corinthians 2:16)

“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7)

The ultimate goal of this journey is to “have the mind of Christ.” This is the state where one’s thoughts, emotions, and actions are in harmony with the will of God. It is an experiential realization of one’s identity in Christ, where the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, guards your heart and mind.

• Practical Step: Regularly practice moments of stillness and prayer where you consciously seek to align your thoughts with the mind of Christ. This is not merely an intellectual exercise but a deep, experiential awareness of God’s presence within you. By cultivating this awareness, you begin to live more fully in the renewed mind, the Christ mind, experiencing the transformation that Paul speaks of in Romans 12:2.

5. Who Am I in Christ?

“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20)

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” (2 Corinthians 5:17)

“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (Ephesians 2:10)

An essential practice for realizing the mind of Christ is a form of self-inquiry, asking the question, “Who am I in Christ?” or “Who does God say I am?” This practice directs believers to explore and affirm their true identity as defined by their relationship with Christ, grounding them in the biblical truths about their divine nature.

• Practical Step: Regularly meditate on these questions during your prayer time. Reflect on scriptures that reveal your identity in Christ, such as the verses above.
• Prayerful Reflection: At the beginning or end of each day, spend time in prayerful reflection, asking the Holy Spirit to reveal deeper truths about your identity in Christ. This practice helps in aligning your thoughts, emotions, and actions with the mind of Christ, leading to a transformed and renewed mind.
• Affirmations of Identity: Create and repeat affirmations based on these scriptures, such as “I am a new creation in Christ” or “Christ lives in me, and I live in Him.” These affirmations help reinforce the renewed mind and align your self-identity with biblical truths.

6. Daily Examination and Prayer for Transformation

“Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” (Psalm 139:23-24)
Transformation is not a one-time event but a continuous process of growth and renewal. Each day offers an opportunity to reflect on your progress and to seek God’s guidance in further renewing your mind.

• Practical Step: At the end of each day, take time to reflect on your thoughts and actions. Where did you notice the influence of the carnal worldly mind? Where did you experience the renewed Christ mind? Offer these reflections in prayer, asking the Holy Spirit to continue the work of transformation within you.

7. Daily Meditation Practice: Cultivating Stillness and Oneness with Christ

“Be still and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10)

To help cultivate the renewed mind and deepen your experience of oneness with Christ, incorporating a daily meditation practice can be transformative. This practice will center your mind, align it with the mind of Christ, and develop a habit of returning to God’s presence throughout your day.

---

Meditation Exercise:

1. Find a Quiet Spot:

• Settle in a comfortable, quiet place where you won’t be disturbed. Sit with your back straight, hands resting gently on your lap, and close your eyes.

2. Begin with the Breath:

• Take a few deep breaths, inhaling slowly through your nose, holding for a moment, and then exhaling through your mouth. Let each breath relax your body and mind.

3. Focus on a Scripture or Question:

• Choose a verse or phrase to anchor your meditation, such as “Christ lives in me” (Galatians 2:20) or “Who am I in Christ?” Let this scripture or question be the focus of your mind.

4. Gently Notice When the Mind Wanders:

• As you meditate, your mind may wander. When you notice this, gently bring your focus back to your chosen scripture or question. Do this without judgment, understanding that each return to your focus is an opportunity to deepen your practice.

5. Experience the Stillness:

• As you continue to meditate, allow yourself to settle into the stillness, letting the words or question sink deeper into your awareness. Be still and know that God is present within you, guiding your thoughts and filling you with His peace.

6. Close with Prayer:

• After 10-15 minutes, gently bring your meditation to a close with a prayer, asking God to continue renewing your mind throughout the day and to help you live out the truth of your identity in Christ.
• Daily Commitment: Make this meditation practice a daily habit, ideally at the beginning or end of your day. Over time, you will notice a deepening sense of peace, clarity, and connection with Christ.

Conclusion:

The journey from the carnal worldly mind to the renewed Christ mind is a dynamic and ongoing process. By understanding these states as points on a spectrum, rather than as fixed identities, believers can navigate their spiritual growth with greater intention and clarity. Through awareness, detachment, cultivation, and prayer, we can gradually move closer to the mind of Christ, experiencing the peace and transformation that come from living in alignment with God’s will. As we walk this path, we are not alone; the Holy Spirit is our constant guide, leading us into all truth and helping us renew our minds day by day.

Incorporating a daily meditation practice and regular self-examination helps to anchor this transformation in our everyday lives, making the mind of Christ not just an ideal but a lived reality. Let us commit to this journey, trusting in God’s grace and the power of His word to renew our minds and guide us into a deeper moment by moment communion with Him.

🙏🕊️🙏