HOW HAS THE SPIRIT OF CHRIST TRANSFORMED YOUR HEART AND MIND?

BIBLE PASSAGE:
Carry each other’s burdens, 
and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. 
(Galatians 6:2)

MEDITATION:
When the Lord saves us and we surrender to Him, 
a change in us is inevitable. 
We experience a transformation that we could never have imagined.
No longer are we self-centered and thinking only of ourselves.
No longer do we toss aside relationships whenever their opinions are different 
from ours, or when they get in the way of our goal of pleasing ourselves.

We see it played out often as people (even family members) 
become unimportant and have no value 
unless they fit into our own selfish plans of satisfying ourselves.
But when the Spirit of Christ has taken up residence in our hearts,
we trade selfishness for selflessness, which benefits us and those around us.
Instead of making excuses to avoid ‘going out of our way’ to help or encourage 
someone else, we welcome the opportunities to be a friend to all people.

Why would we do that?
Because we are being transformed into the likeness of Christ who showed us 
how to care about other people, and to love them unconditionally.
And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being 
transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from 
the Lord, who is the Spirit. (2 Corinthians 3:18)

The Spirit of the Lord creates 
a new mindset and attitude in us when He lives in our hearts.
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)

Our transformation gives us the capability 
to follow Paul’s advice of caring about other people.
And when we do, we “fulfill the law of Christ”.
What ‘law’ might that be? 
When we look at how Jesus lived His life, it must be the ‘law of love’.

He spoke to the masses, but never overlooked the individuals.
He had His own agenda (ordained by God), 
but never overlooked the needs of others.
Throughout His time on earth, He made sacrifices in order to help others.
And of course, He made the ultimate sacrifice for everyone on the cross.

Paul reminds us of how our focus shifts 
from a worldly view of only thinking of ourselves and what pleases us, 
to a new point of view that is righteous and good.
So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we 
once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. Therefore, if anyone 
is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! 
(2 Corinthians 5:16-17)

ACTION:
What changes have you noticed in your mind, attitudes and actions?
Are you still focused on pleasing yourself 
with disregard for those who do not fit into your plans?
Are relationships only good for you when they benefit you?

Have you become willing to make sacrifices for the benefit of others, 
or do you just provide ‘lip service’ to cover your guilt 
for not showing concern for others?

If God has saved you, then you are experiencing a heart change 
so that you gladly toss away the ‘old self’ 
and welcome the new creation the Spirit has created in you.
And, consequently, you (and others) notice the transformation taking place, 
because you are now thinking more about others than you do of yourself, 
and you gladly make sacrifices for the benefit of others.
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility 
value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each 
of you to the interests of the others. (Philippians 2:3-4)

Why? 
Because you have a new desire to develop the mindset of Christ 
and you are no longer a selfish and self-centered person 
who thinks ‘having fun’ means only pleasing yourself.
You have discovered the pleasure of ‘carrying the burdens’ of others.

Pray,
“Heavenly Father, You can read my heart and mind and You know 
whether or not I am allowing Your Spirit to transform me. If I am 
still focusing only on myself and what pleases me, I pray that You 
would convict me and transform my heart, so that I can develop the 
mindset of Your Son. Help me to show through my actions how You 
have made me a new creation and the old one has gone away. Help me 
to stop lying to others, and to myself. Thank You Jesus, for the time 
You spent in human form to set an example for me to follow when 
Your Spirit has transformed me.”

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