How Should We Then Think?

September, 2003

by: Walt Bertelsen

A big part of what God is doing in each of our lives as Christians is making us more like His Son. And a big part of that is changing the way we think. The men of Calvary have been exposed in the past months to God's Word — his thinking — about what that image looks like in our lives (the essence of leadership). The speakers at our men's breakfasts have been addressing various aspects of godly manhood: being a leader, watching our time, living a pure life, developing courage. Our small groups-which are still forming — are beginning to grapple with the implications of that thought.

God takes his communication seriously — he doesn't do it off the cuff. He spent literally hundreds of years preparing his people to hear: he sent prophets and his Son to teach us. He gave his Son's life. He sent his Spirit to instruct us.

The fact that many of our men are not yet assuming the leadership role does not invalidate God's truth. Rather, it should spur us on to communicate the truth, teach diligently, counsel, and pray without ceasing. Here are some of God's thoughts that must guide our thinking in these days:

1. Jesus Christ is Lord of all. This is not just a matter of his deity — this is a matter of recognizing his rightful place as master of my life. “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” (Prov 9:10). Acknowledging his absolute authority (the essence of fearing him) is the foundation of all.
2. I have no right to run my life. He gave me physical life — I didn't choose my place of birth. As a born again man, I am to live for His agenda (Eph 2:10).
3. In giving me life, God also made me a part of the Body of Christ, the Church. Some speculate about the meaning of this "mystical" body. But the body and my part in it is a fact. He put me where he wanted. He gave me the gifts He wanted me to have. He placed others strategically and gracefully around me to help me grow. Now He wants me to depend upon Him within the fellowship of His body to live out my earthly life for His honor — not mine (Eph 2-6).
4. Living for Christ is not just a command but a joyfully doable task. He has given me everything I need for life and godliness — His Word, His Spirit, His people (2 Pet 1:3,4). There is no sin, no difficulty, but what he has provided the way to escape (1 Cor 10:13). His grace makes me a partaker of His eternal riches, and surrounds me with a family to equip me to serve Him acceptably.

The Christian life is simple, but not easy. A good illustration of this is Jack Hughes' recent teaching (June 28) on the leader's courage. The truths he laid out from the Word on how to develop courage could be applied to almost any aspect of the Christian life. Courage develops from: knowing God, (not just knowing about Him); knowing His Word; believing, relying upon, and putting to practice what He says; and meditating on it (keeping it in mind). Let God change your thinking as you surrender to Him (Rom 12:1,2). Don't

walk away. Pray for our men. “Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, bringing holiness to completion in the fear of God.” (2 Cor 7:1)