This brief scriptural outline shows the benefits of staying “tuned in to the grace channel.”
1. Setting your mind is vital to focusing your attention on grace and truth.
a. This is essential for daily abiding in Christ.
“For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, [set their minds on ] the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally [fleshly] minded is death [disintegration principle], but to be spiritually minded is life and peace [integration principle].” Romans 8:5,6 (brackets added)
b. This is a personal choice.
“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honorable, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” Philippians 4:8
c. This is the goal of Biblical meditation.
“But his delight is in the law of the LORD, And in His law he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree Planted by the rivers of water, That brings forth its fruit in its season, Whose leaf also shall not wither; And whatever he does shall prosper.” Psalms 1:2,3
2. What gracious truths should you focus on?
a. Focus on the person of Christ in you.
“looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:2
“To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.” Colossians 1:27
b. Focus on your freedom from sin’s authority.
“But now having been set free from sin, and having become slaves of God, you have your fruit to holiness, and the end, everlasting life. For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:22,23
c. Focus on your freedom from the Old Covenant.
“There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus…” Romans 8:1
“For we through the Spirit eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness by faith. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but faith working through love.” Galatians 5:5,6
d. Focus on your stewardship under grace.
“For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age.” Titus 2:11,12
“… for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.” Philippians 2:13
“But by the grace of God I am what I am: and His grace which was bestowed upon me was not found vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.” 1 Corinthians 15:10
e. Focus on your new identity.
“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:10
“But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.” 1 Peter 2:9
f. Focus on your purpose in trials.
“Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.” 1 Peter 4:12,13
“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren.” Romans 8:28,29
g. Focus on God’s unchanging character and faithfulness.
“You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You. Trust in the LORD forever, For in YAH, the LORD, is everlasting strength.” Isaiah 26:3,4
“Through the LORD’S mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness. ‘The LORD is my portion,’ says my soul, ‘Therefore I hope in Him!’ The LORD is good to those who wait for Him, To the soul who seeks Him.” Lamentations 3:22-25
Although emotions and circumstances will try to distract you, keep your spiritual compass pointed to Truth. Whatever gets your attention, gets you! The lesson of “setting your mind” was expressed by Katie Wilkinson in the words of this hymn:
May the mind of Christ my Savior
Live in me from day to day,
By His love and pow’r controlling
All I do and say.
May the Word of Christ dwell richly
In my heart from hour to hour,
So that all may see I triumph
Only through His pow’r.
May the peace of Christ my Savior
Rule my life in every thing,
That I may be calm to comfort
Sick and sorrowing.
May the love of Jesus fill me,
As the waters fill the sea;
Him exalting, self abasing,
This is victory.[1]
Let’s keep “looking unto Jesus.”[2]
[1] “May the Mind of Christ My Savior.” Katie Barclay Wilkinson, 1859-1928. http://www.hymnal.net/hymn.php/h/401#ixzz1qiwFeBWI
[2] See the article, “Looking unto Jesus” by Theodore Monod. https://gracenotebook.com/looking-unto-jesus/