MINDSET SHIFT

And be renewed in the spirit of your mind.

Ephesians 4:23

Man is a tripartite being, and our relationship with God affects every aspect of our beings. While a man’s spirit gets instantly transformed at the new birth, his body doesn’t change. His soul, however, gets enlisted in the school of transformation, and this metamorphosis happens as he engages the living and active word of God.

As Paul admonished, many believers live contrary to God’s standards because they are not diligently renewing their minds.

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
Romans 12:2

Before we gave our lives to Christ, we had set ways of thoughts and behaviors. Our translation into God’s Kingdom of Light means that our minds have come under new management: The Lordship of the Holy Spirit. It also means that there must be consistent change and a shift in mindset. Now that we are in Christ, our mind has to be re-educated in the ways of God, and this mindset shift is what Paul calls the ‘renewing of the mind.’

To renew means to make something new again, to restore to freshness or original condition. (The English Dictionary). So when God created the first man and woman, He created them to think like Him. As a result, man had no limitations in understanding himself, others, and the rest of creation the way God perceived things. God gave the responsibility of naming creation to Adam because He knew that Adam would have no problem calling them what He(God) wanted them called.

The fall, however, shifted man from the supernatural height that God originally placed him. Man’s spirit became dead: separated from God. His soul, where his mind resides, also fell short of God’s glory while his body became exposed to all kinds of sicknesses and diseases. The fall reduced man entirely and made him far inferior to what God had in mind when He said,

‘Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion…’ Genesis 1:26

Understanding our dominion mandate is paramount among the many shifts in mindset we must have as kingdom citizens. Lester Sumrall, in his book, ‘Take it, It’s Yours’ described our dominion in Christ in this way:

‘The greatest thrill of liberation and dominion in the world is sensing the vibrant life of Christ flooding your spirit, your mind, and your body, making you free from every tormenting habit, phobia, and fear. God has handed you the reins of the universe and said, “Drive on victoriously through this life to the City of God.” That’s dominion!’

As Paul stated, if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature. (2 Corinthians 5:17) He has moved from being a slave to fear to become a creature of boldness, strength, and dominion. Our identity as Kingdom Citizens means that we are co-heirs with Christ, and this means that as all power belongs to Jesus in Heaven and on earth, we are also partakers of this all-inclusive dominion. Jesus took back what Adam gave the devil: dominion over the earth. Therefore, we have the authority to tread upon all the enemy’s powers (Luke 10:19).

Understanding our spiritual authority is key to ruling and reigning in life with our King, Jesus. The more we know our place in God’s Kingdom and our dominion on earth, the more accurately we can represent God. The Lion of the tribe of Judah is our Commander, and we have been called to roar against the darkness that covers the earth. Let the mirror of God’s word proclaim your identity and authority in this season, and stand fast in who God says you are. Be renewed in the spirit of your mind and be filled with boldness and audacity to do God’s will on earth as it is in Heaven.

We have been born again of incorruptible seed, and therefore, we overcome the world. It is time to take our God-given dominion and shine the Light of God to the ends of the earth.
Shalom.