Renewing Your Mind (Victory Series Book #4): Become More Like Christ (8 page)

Mark 7:1–9

Key Point

Our emotional stability and lifestyle will reveal which plan we have chosen to follow.

Key Verse

Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.”

Isaiah 30:21

T
o overcome anxiety, we need to acquire a singleness of vision and purpose. The question is whether we are going to live
our
way or
God
’
s
way. Let’s call God’s way “Plan A,” which we accept by faith, and humanity’s way “Plan B,” which is a natural product of human reason and intuition. There are times when God’s ways don’t make sense to us because we don’t have the big picture. Because of our limited human perspective we can never know if we are basing our decisions on all the
facts, and we can’t predict what the consequences of our actions will be. That is why God says His ways are not our ways (see Isaiah 55:8).

When we come to Christ, our old ways of thinking and living are still programmed into our minds. If we don’t know God’s ways, we will continue to live the way we always have. Now that we have the mind of Christ (see 1 Corinthians 2:16), we can learn God’s ways. However, until we are fully committed to living according to what God says is true, we will waffle between Plan A and Plan B.

When we commit ourselves to live according to God’s way (Plan A), it decreases our tendency to live as we always have (Plan B). When we mix our ways with God’s ways, it decreases our commitment to Plan A. That is what the Pharisees were doing by observing their man-made traditions (Plan B), and as a result they set aside the commandments of God (Plan A). Such waffling creates anxieties for us as Christians because we are double-minded.

The unbeliever can experience less anxiety than an immature or uncommitted Christian who straddles the fence in order to have the “best” of both worlds. The natural person creates his or her own rationalistic worldview and explanation of reality and can live anxiety-free in this world for a time. The natural person has become his or her own god. However, “There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death” (Proverbs 14:12). We can’t choose Plan B just because it seems less worrisome in the present. Satan will always tempt us with an alternative to Plan A that may seem right to the non-discerning, but it leads to certain destruction.

To illustrate this principle, consider marriage. God’s Plan A for marriage is a life-long monogamous relationship between a man and a woman, for better or for worse, until death separates them. We should never entertain thoughts contrary to that commitment, because that will be the temptation that leads to divorce. Thinking what it would be like to be married to someone else is pure fantasy, which will appear more attractive than the reality we have.

What would happen if a young couple got married with the understanding that they could always get a divorce if the relationship didn’t work out? They
will
probably get divorced, because commitment is what makes the marriage relationship unique. If a wife establishes her own career because
she believes the marriage won’t last, she is making preparations for Plan B. If a husband is more committed to his job than his marriage, he is choosing Plan B. Your emotional stability and lifestyle will reveal which plan you have chosen.

What two limitations do we have when charting our own course of action?

Why do believers still waffle between trying to follow their ways and God’s ways after they receive new life in Christ?

Why does the natural person often experience less anxiety than an immature or uncommitted Christian who is “straddling the fence”?

Where do you experience the most tension between your old ways and God’s ways?

Why is it foolish to make your own provisions in case Plan A doesn’t work? Isn’t that doubting God?

They [the Pharisees] enjoined an adulterated law at cross-purposes with the divine law. The Lord made this clear when He asked them: “Why do you transgress God’s commandments for the sake of your traditions?” By their transgression they not only falsified God’s law . . . but they also set against it their own law, called this day the Pharisaic law. In this their rabbis suppress some of the commandments, add new ones, and give others their own interpretation, thus making the law serve their own purposes.

Irenaeus (AD 130–202)

Jeremiah 9:1–26

Key Point

Peace comes when we live in harmony with the God-created rhythms of life.

Key Verse

Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.

1 Corinthians 1:31

S
omeone speculated that every decision people make is an attempt to reduce further anxiety. To cope with anxiety, people consume food, alcohol, and drugs; have illicit sex; mindlessly repeat mantras; and escape to cabins, boats, and lonely places. More prescription drugs are dispensed for the temporary “cure” of anxiety than for any other reason. But when the temporary cures wear off, we have to return to the same world—only now we have the added problem of the negative consequences of the escape mechanisms. Anxiety drains our energy today and dims our hope for tomorrow.

Anxiety arises out of a state of disconnection. Human wisdom, strength, and riches cannot comprehend, accomplish, or buy the peace that comes from being rightly related to God. The only thing we can boast about is our understanding of God and His ways (see Jeremiah 9:23–24). God has designed us to live a certain way, and living any other way is like swimming upstream in our own strength or succumbing to the current and being swept helplessly along. Having the peace of God regardless of external circumstances is like floating on a pond.

Life is like a factory that has hundreds of gears all intertwined and running together. It runs smoothly as long as the gears are well oiled and perfectly centered. Should one of the gears get a little out-of-round and start taking an elliptical path, it will no longer mesh with the other gears and will quickly wear out. The out-of-place gear not only does damage to itself but also creates friction with those gears closely connected to it. In the same way, we have to stay closely connected to God and to our fellow believers if we are to become the people God wants us to be.

However, we can’t work together as a harmonious whole unless we are Christ-centered and submissive to His ways. We need to discover the God-created harmony and rhythms of life. He is the Master Musician, and we are His orchestra. When we are filled with His Spirit, we will sing and make melody in our hearts to the Lord (see Ephesians 5:19). If each of us follows the Director and plays our part, the music will be a glorious expression of His glory. But if our timing is off, or if we play a different tune, we create an awful noise. To go to the grave with our music still in us would be the greatest tragedy of all.

In the time of Jeremiah, the Israelites were not living in harmony with God. Jeremiah was disgusted with these unfaithful people and wanted to get away from them (see Jeremiah 9:2). They were self-centered and had not followed God’s ways (see verses 13–14). Their attempt to correct their own problems was at best superficial. “They dress the wounds of my people as though it were not serious. ‘Peace, peace,’ they say, when there is no peace” (8:11).

God never gives bandage-answers to cancerous problems. He said to the people, “Let not the wise boast of their wisdom or the strong boast of their strength or the rich man boast of their riches, but let the one who boasts
boast about this: that they have the understanding to know me, that I am the L
ORD
, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight” (9:23–24).

What are some of the temporal cures for anxiety? Why are they ineffective?

Why do we need to be Christ-centered if we want to be anxious-free?

Why does world peace keep eluding us?

To what or whom have you turned when feeling anxious?

How can you become single-minded when feeling anxious?

It is part of those who have been perfected not to be easily influenced by worldly things or to be troubled with fear or tormented with suspicion or stunned with dread or distressed with pain. Rather, as if on a shore of total safety, they ought to calm their spirit, immoveable as it is in the anchorage of faith against the rising waves and tempests of the world. Christ brought this support to the spirits of Christians when He brought an inner peace to the souls of those who had proved themselves, so that our heart should not be troubled or our spirit be distressed.

Ambrose (AD 340–397)

1 Peter 5:6–10

Key Point

We overcome anxiety by surrendering our ways and submitting to God’s ways.

Key Verse

The fruit of that righteousness will be peace.

Isaiah 32:17

C
hrist has invited you to cast your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you. This means that you have to humble yourself by surrendering your ways and submitting to His ways. The following steps will help you overcome anxiety.

First, before you do anything else, you should pray. Paul writes, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God” (Philippians 4:6). Pray,
“
Lord
,
I
come humbly before Your presence as Your child
.
I acknowledge
my dependence on You, and I ask for Your divine
guidance. Show me what I am responsible for and what
I am not. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit and
guide me into all truth. I ask for Your peace
to guard my heart and my mind in Christ Jesus
. Amen.”

Second, resolve all personal and spiritual conflicts by submitting to God and resisting the devil. “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (James 4:7). You do this through genuine repentance (see the Steps to Freedom in Christ). The purpose is to make sure your heart is right with God and to eliminate any demonic influences on your mind.

Third, state the problem. What are you anxious about? A problem well stated is half solved. In anxious states of mind, people can’t see the forest for the trees. So put the problem in perspective. What matters for eternity? Seek godly counsel if necessary, but do not turn to ungodly counsel or temporary cures.

Fourth, separate the facts from the assumptions. People are not anxious about what they know; they are anxious about what they
don’t
know. People may be fearful of the facts, but not anxious.

Fifth, determine what you have the right or the ability to control. Remember that your duty in life and your sense of worth are tied only to that for which you are responsible. If you aren’t living a responsible life, you should feel anxious. Don’t try to cast your responsibility on Christ, for He will just throw it back. However, do cast your anxiety onto Him, because His integrity is at stake in meeting your needs—if you are living a responsible and righteous life.

Sixth, list everything you can do that is related to the situation that is under your responsibility. What is the noble thing to do? How can you assume your responsibility in a dignified manner that is worthy of respect? What is the right thing to do? What is the morally pure thing to do? What could you do that would promote peace and goodwill? What could you do that would be positive and constructive rather than negative and destructive?

Seventh, complete everything on your list. Commit yourself to be a responsible person and fulfill your calling and obligations in life. Take
every thought captive in obedience to Christ and keep your mind focused on what is true.

Finally, submit to God in prayer everything that lies outside of your responsibility and your right or ability to control. If you have fulfilled your responsibilities and believe the truth, the rest is God’s responsibility. Any residual anxiety is probably due to your having assumed responsibilities that God never intended you to have.

If the Steps to Freedom in Christ are not available, ask the Lord to reveal to your mind any sin that is keeping you from having an intimate relationship with Him. Write those in the space below.

State specifically what you are anxious about, and separate the facts from the assumptions.

Determine what you have the right and the ability to control and commit yourself to accomplish what you are responsible for.

Write down how you can assist others who are directly connected to the situation in question with their responsibility without usurping their role. Commit the rest to God in prayer.

Peace, indeed, is serenity of mind, tranquility of soul, simplicity of heart, the bond of love, the fellowship of charity. It removes hatred, settles wars, restrains wrath, tramples on pride, loves the humble, pacifies the discordant and makes enemies agree. For it is pleasing to everyone. It does not seek what belongs to another or consider anything its own. It teaches people to love because it does not get angry, or to extol itself or become inflated with pride. It is meek and humble to everyone, possessing rest and tranquility within itself. When the peace of Christ is exercised by a Christian, it is brought to perfection by Christ.

Caesarius of Arles (AD 470–542)

Assuming Our Responsibility

James 5:13–16 is one place in the Bible that specifically says what we are supposed to do if we are sick or suffering. The tendency is to focus on the role of the elders, while the responsibilities of the suffering and sick are overlooked. The prayer of a righteous elder will not be effective if the person in trouble is not assuming his or her responsibility. There are three reasons for this.

First, we cannot do other people’s praying for them. Initially, the one who is suffering is the one who should be praying (see verse 13). Intercessory
prayer is never intended to replace another person’s responsibility to pray. Christians don’t function as mediums. There is only “one mediator between God and mankind, the man Jesus Christ” (1 Timothy 2:5). If you had a daughter who kept coming to you on behalf of your son, wouldn’t you tell your daughter to advise her brother to come see you personally? We cannot have a secondhand relationship with God. Every child of God has the same access to Him. The only effective prayer at this stage is the prayer of a repentant heart. If we cherish sin in our hearts, the Lord will not hear us (see Psalm 66:18). The answer is to deal with the sin, not ask someone else to do our praying for us.

Second, God puts the responsibility on those who are suffering and sick to take the initiative to call the elders (see James 5:14). We should help one another, but we can’t assume their responsibility for them. Any lasting change for good in their lives will be directly related to what they have chosen to believe and do in response to God, not to what others do. Those who are looking for someone to fix them will never get fixed.

Third, confession, which is open and honest agreement with God, must come before healing (see verse 16). All too often elders are summoned to pray for the sick, only to discover later that those for whom they prayed are living in bondage to sin, bitterness, pride, and rebellion. The loving thing to do is to help them resolve their personal and spiritual conflicts by submitting to God and resisting the devil. If those who are sick and suffering for spiritual and psychosomatic reasons will truly repent, then the prayers of the righteous will be effective. We can’t expect God to bless and heal those who are rebelling against Him and His ways.