Minding Your Mind

Colossians 3:16-17

Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. (Colossians 3:16)

YOU MIGHT THINK YOU KNOW who you are, but do you really? The subconscious narrative running in your head can be awfully convincing, even when it is telling a less-than-flattering story. At various times, it may portray you as a fool, a misfit, or a problem. It will rarely hesitate to point out your flaws and mistakes. And most convincing of all, it will remind you that you are “only human.” It will hardly ever picture you in the fullness of your redemption.

But as God’s child, a participant in the divine nature, you have to know who you are and overcome years of false narratives telling a contrary story. Tell a different one—even speak it out loud when you’re alone. According to God’s revelation and the calling you have been given in Christ, you are redeemed and restored, raised to new life and seated with Christ in heavenly places (Romans 6:4; Colossians 2:12; Ephesians 2:6), destined to rule with him on his throne (Revelation 3:21; 5:10), a minister of power and reconciliation (Ephesians 1:19-20; 2 Corinthians 5:20), and capable by faith of doing the kinds of works that Jesus himself once did (John 14:12). Even more importantly, you are loved extravagantly (1 John 3:1-3). If you are ever going to have the influence and impact God designed you to have, you must know these things in the depths of your spirit.

That’s why it is vital to pay close attention to your internal dialogue, the thoughts you are absorbing from your world, the contagious feelings you may have caught from others, and the inner vows you have made about your own identity. You cannot afford to live from an assumption of fear, rejection, shame, doubt, resignation, or confusion. These things war against your faith, and your faith is the only currency you have at your disposal to accomplish things in God’s Kingdom. You were born for greater things, and the world needs them today.

{Father, you have blessed me extravagantly with a new identity, a new calling, and a new destiny as a coheir with Jesus. I repent of letting my thoughts fall short of those gifts. May I always know the fullness of who I am in you and live in the wisdom, power, and love you have given me. Amen.