Let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God. Ephesians 4:23-24 (NLT)
As we continue to follow Paul in the letter of Ephesians in this blog series, we are introduced to challenges in the “I” of the SPIRE. The “I” of the SPIRE represents the intellectual component of inSPIRE®, the all-important area of our mind.
Minds Filled with Darkness
Paul began the final portion of Ephesians chapter 4, with bad news (Ephesians 4:17-32). He introduced us to minds filled with darkness. Minds closed to God and hearts closed to the message of Christ resulted in confusion, sexual impurity, lust, deception, slander, lies, anger, stealing, foul language, and harsh words. It’s a nasty list.
Minds Filled with Light
Paul was clear about the contrast between this kind of darkness and life in the light of the Spirit. Living in the light means truth telling, good hard work, generous giving, encouragement, forgiveness, tender-heartedness, kindness, righteousness and holiness.
On a Scale From 1 to 10
We’d all rather be with people who live out the qualities in the light-filled list. But what about us? Perhaps we could take this last list of attributes and invite the Holy Spirit to rate us on a scale of 1 to 10 in each area. Would I get a 10/10 on truthfulness? What about using my hands for good works? Where am I on the scale of generosity? Am I an encourager, or are my words discouraging and harsh? The list goes on.
A Stimulus for Living in the Light
Paul connects living in the light with minds actively learning about Christ and allowing the Spirit to renew thoughts and attitudes. I know that in the last couple of years as I was completing my Master of Divinity, I was regularly challenged to think through the outcomes of leaders, institutions, and theologies, throughout history, under the light of Bible truths. The stimulus lit a fire in my grey cells. Sitting ‘at the feet’ of professors and beside fellow learners kept the flames of my heart and mind active.
You don’t have to go to seminary or a Bible college to renew your thoughts and minds, but you might want to. I am living proof that you don’t have to be the youngest in your class to learn new things in the faith. My seminary experience at Truett Theological Seminary was truly amazing and I trust that I grew more encouraging, generous, and righteous in the learning process.
An Exciting Pilot
In an exciting new pilot with other seminaries this year, Truett Seminary is launching an offer of a first year of seminary education for $300/month. You can view the courses, and details on next steps here – First Seminary.
Sources for Learning
We’re also likely to have easy access to near-by seminaries, Bible colleges, local church courses, seminars, and books that will help renew our thoughts and attitudes. We pray our inSPIRE® videos will help. Of course, Sunday sermons are also a powerful source of input for many of us, so let’s make sure we’re in our churches, soaking up the light there, and encouraging our pastors and teachers. And if some of us are the pastors and teachers, we already know that we must be humble, passionate life-long learners, as well.
More Light – Less Darkness
We are never too young or too old to learn more about God and his ways. We may be the only light that some will see in the darkness. Our flames must not grow dim. Sometimes we may need to fight against the dying out of our light.
How do you use your thoughts and attitudes to produce more light, less darkness? Worship, prayer, Bible study, and Christian community engagement are high on my list. I would love to hear what is on yours!
Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Romans 12:2 (NIV)
4 Responses
I was almost 40 when I returned to being a scholar. Completed my high school, followed by a degree in education, which enabled me to teach for the Calgary Board of Education. What a huge blessing and honor for me to watch many students grow and learn. After retiring from the Board, I was again, blessed to be able to teach and participate in a women’s ministry. God led me to return to learning and then blessed me beyond measure. If you feel a tug at your heart to return to the halls of learning, my advice, “Do It!” and see what God has in store for you.
I join with Adena in her advice to “do it”, cheering you on towards the goal that God has placed in your heart.
I love to participate in Bible Studies with our Ottawa South Women’s Connection. It is good to share our thoughts and experiences with each other and learn more about Jesus each time we are together. Listening to a good Sermon on Sunday morning is also helpful in focusing on Jesus and His Word! 💕
Talking about what I’m learning always helps me and I too find it is so interesting to hear from the stories and faith experiences of others! You have some great folk in Ottawa South WC to do that with!