THE MIND – “Why We Must Think Rightly About God”
The foundation of proper and practical Christian living is both gained and maintained by establishing a biblically accurate perspective on God. A high impression of God maintains the majesty and reverence that is due to the Almighty God. The mind of the Christian should be fixed upon the holiness of God while also appreciating the nearness of God that is possible through the “precious” blood of Jesus Christ (Hebrews 10:19; I Peter 1:19). An excellent illustration of the awesomeness of God is the metaphor depicting God as a “consuming fire” (Hebrews 12:29). The thought of God as a consuming fire should drive the Christian to beg for the grace to serve God “acceptably with reverence and godly fear” (Hebrews 12:28-29).
Similarly, a low view of God renders the worship of the believer to mediocrity. Such a low view deteriorates faithful living as you will lack the belief that God has the power or willingness to provide grace to help in the time of need. A low view of God diminishes the greatness of God and magnifies the problems of the life. A poor view of God abandons the worship of God of which He is worthy. A wrong view of God descends the Christian into ungodly and immoral behavior and warps one’s character and conduct.
Belief effects behavior, so your perspective of God will undoubtedly determine that way you live. Reflect on these probing interrogatives:
Is there any greater Person to pursue?
Is there any greater book to peruse?
Is the any greater principle to practice?
What allure do passing pleasures have on the Christian whose focus is locked upon the Lord?
What significance do temporal problems have in light of the power of the Eternal One?
If you have experienced the fruits of mediocre Christianity in your life then an honest assessment of your walk must take place in order to discover what is truly believed about God.
Joseph Martin