In this article, we will discuss renewing your mind with positive, biblically-based thinking and practical exercises for maintaining a resilient mindset, all very necessary for living a wholehearted fulfilling life and experiencing healthy relationships.

This article is the ninth of a blog series offering practical steps rooted in Christ and biblical principles to help you build resilience and trust in God's plan. Following these steps, you'll learn to navigate life's trials with faith and confidence, leaning on Christ's everlasting support.

If you missed it, click to read Embracing God's Promises, the eighth article in this series.

If you missed it, click to read Overcoming Doubt and Fears Through Faith, the seventh article in this series.

If you missed it, click to read Trust: The Foundation of Healthy Relationships Part Two, the sixth article in this series.

If you missed it, click to read Trust: The Foundation of Healthy Relationships, the fifth article in this series.

If you missed it, click to read Trusting God with His Plan After Trauma, the fourth article in this series.

If you missed it, click to read Trusting God, the third article in this series.

If you missed it, click to read Building A Resilient Faith: Jesus Our Model, the second article in this series.

If you missed it, click to read Understanding Biblical Resilience, the first article in this series. 

Developing A Christ-Centered Mindset

What Is A Christ-Centered Mindset?

First, understand that over years of your learning the world’s way, and operating your own fleshly desires, our heavenly Father wants to change your mindset. We have a part in this process. The brain is divinely designed with the capacity to change neural pathways (the way you think). You can untangle old ways and learn healthier ways–called Neuroplasticity. When you meditate and learn from Jesus, The Way, the Truth, and the Life, you begin to understand how God sees you, how to walk in His Truth daily, and experience a triumphant life every day in Jesus. This is done through Jesus. So, before this will happen, you must invite Him to lead you through the power of the Holy Spirit who will empower you to renew your mind.

Jesus was comforting the disciples after He told them He must leave, but would come back after preparing a place for them. He told them “You know the way to where I am going.”

In distress, Thomas said he didn’t know where Jesus was going and asked, ”how can we know the way?”

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really know me, you will know my Father as well.” -John 14:6-7 NIV

But this didn’t convince Phillip. He asked Jesus to show him the Father and that would be enough. Jesus questioned him. I’ve been with you this long and you still don’t know me, Phillip?

“The one who has seen me has seen the Father! How can you say, ‘Show us the Father?’ Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? -John 14:9 LEB

• • Jesus is telling them that He is in the Father! 
  • He will not leave them desolate as orphans
  • And, if they love Him, they will keep His commandments.

What a comfort to know that when we met Jesus we have seen our heavenly Father. If you are abandoned or have no parents, you are the King of Kings child! Through His love for you, you love Him and keep His commandments. Not from a legalistic perspective but from a fully surrendered heart of love with desire to please Him. The one who gave His one and only Son to die for us. The One who was resurrected from the dead. And the One who went to the Father on your behalf. What a loving Father.

Further in the story in John 4 Jesus explained that the one who believes in Him will do greater works than Jesus because He is going to the Father. 

Do you know why He went to the Father?

To send an advocate, the Counselor, the spirit of Truth–the Holy Spirit! As one who has invited Him in, the Spirit of Truth resides in you, you know Him and the way to the Father. Believers have the Holy Spirit residing in them. It’s your work to yield to Him, believe Him, and learn from Him. He empowers you every step on the way. 

Love for Jesus is not sentimental, but is expressed by keeping his commands, i.e. by responding to all he taught, with faith and obedience. In other passages Jesus’ teaching is described as his word (logos), referring to his teaching as a whole, which people need to accept and obey.(1)

Believers are called to become a living sacrifice and renew our minds.

“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 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 12:1-2

In this work, we will know Him and can ask Him for anything in God’s perfect will.

Anything that Jesus calls you to do, He makes a way! 

Below Are Six Foundational Scriptures to Help You Begin Changing Your Mindset

It’s critical you know how loved you are by your Creator, our Heavenly Father. You must know who He says you are. Listen as He speaks to you through these Scriptures:

“Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you, before you were born, I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” -Jeremiah 1:5

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.

My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.

Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.

How amazing are your thoughts concerning me, God! How vast is the sum of them!

Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand–...” -Psalm 139:13-18a

“The heart—who you are on the inside, the center of your being and thinking and will—must be protected or guarded carefully. It is not enough simply to modify your outward actions but not be changed on the inside. This is why the teacher’s sayings need to be kept within your heart (v. 21b). There is the further explanation that wisdom in the heart is the source of life, or that life flows out from wisdom (v. 23).” (2)

“My child, be attentive to my words;  to my sayings, incline your ear. May they not escape from your sight; keep them in the midst of your heart. For they are life to those who find them and healing to the entire body.” -Proverbs 4:20–22 LEB

"Guard Your Heart, for it is the wellspring of life!" Proverbs 4:23

For as he thinks in his heart, so is he [in behavior—one who manipulates]. He says to you, “Eat and drink,” Yet his heart is not with you [but it is begrudging the cost]. Proverbs 23:7 AMP

Finally, the metaphor of walking is used to describe your actions in verses 26–27. These too need to be shaped by wisdom, reflecting outwardly what you are like in your heart. Swerving to the right or the left is to leave the path of wisdom and to act like evildoers.(4)

“May the path of your foot be balanced and all your ways be sure. Do not swerve right or left; remove your foot from evil.” -Proverbs 4:26–27 LEB

Paul was stoned and beaten. Yet, he gave the Lord praise in the worst of his circumstances as shown in the below Scripture. The humility, surrender, loyal love, and fortitude of Paul is a key for entering the Kingdom.

“Finally, brothers, whatever things are true, whatever things are honorable, whatever things are right, whatever things are pure, whatever things are pleasing, whatever things are commendable, if there is any excellence of character and if anything praiseworthy, think about these things.” -Philippians 4:8 

Believe in the God that believes in you. 

What Are The Outcomes of a Christ-Centered Mindset?

In Matthew 5:6-11 the Scriptures reveal that God blesses those:

• who are poor and realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.
• who mourn, for they will be comforted.
• who are humble, for they will inherit the whole earth.
• who hunger and thirst for justice,for they will be satisfied.
• who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
• whose hearts are pure,for they will see God.
• who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God.
• who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.

God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers.

 Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way.”

Living from a Christ -Centered mindset will fill your heart with joy!

Practical Steps to Developing A Christ-Centered Mindset

• Listen to wisdom
• Invite God to search you and know you.
• Give Him permission to cleanse your heart.
• Ask the Holy Spirit to guard your mind and direct your thoughts.
• Acknowledge and admit a need to transform your mind from self-focused and self- defeating thoughts.
• Ask the Holy Spirit to help you do away with self-centered thinking to a God-centered focus.
• Yield and submit willingly to the Holy Spirit as He leads you through this process. 
• Stay the course.

Change your thoughts and change your world!

Thoughts changed from negative to positive don’t have the power the Lord provides through the Holy Spirit for you to think whatever things are true, whatever things are honorable, whatever things are right, whatever things are pure, whatever things are pleasing, whatever things are commendable, if there is any excellence of character and if anything praiseworthy, think about these things.

In our next article, we discuss Understanding Self-love, How To Attain It, and Five Ways To Practice Self-love.

At Destined for Glory, we are committed to walking with you on your healing journey and helping you see yourself through God's eyes, walk the talk, and triumph over trauma. You are beloved, valuable, whole, and courageous in His sight. Trust in His plan and find peace in His presence, knowing He is always with you, ready to heal and restore your heart, mind, soul, and body.

If you are not a victim of trauma but know someone who is, you can play a crucial role in their healing journey. Offer a listening ear and validate their experiences without judgment. Please encourage them to seek professional counseling and spiritual support. Please educate yourself about trauma to understand their struggles and needs better. Be patient and compassionate, offering practical help, such as accompanying them to appointments or providing a safe space to talk. Above all, pray for them and remind them of God's unwavering love and presence in their lives. Your support can significantly impact their path to healing and restoration.

Sources:

1. Colin G. Kruse, John: An Introduction and Commentary, vol. 4, Tyndale New Testament Commentaries (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2003), 299.
2. Lindsay Wilson, Proverbs: An Introduction and Commentary, ed. David G. Firth, vol. 17, Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries (London: Inter-Varsity Press, 2017), 94–95.
3. Ibid. 95.
4. Ibid. 95.