By Francis Frangipane
Many challenge the idea that, as mere humans, we can actually perceive the Lord's thoughts. We have too often heard those who proclaimed that "God told" them such and such when it wasn't true. Still, because others fail to hear clearly should that disqualify us from reaching for the potential stated in Scripture? Let not the failures of others stop our pursuit of Christ's likeness. Others argue, even using Scripture, "Who has known the mind of the Lord?" (1 Cor. 2:16).
Yes, certainly, the Lord has His pocket full of awesome surprises. I am not saying we can "figure out" all there is to the divine nature. I am stating only that we do not have to sleepwalk or float through life; we can be led by a true, living word from God that is directed personally to us.
Recall that Jesus told His disciples, "Blessed are your eyes, because they see; and your ears, because they hear" (Matt. 13:16). Our Lord assures us that those who follow Him shall also be trained by Him; as trained disciples, they would experience a level of blessedness that He Himself defined as having eyes that see and ears that hear. Our spiritual faculties can be enhanced and filled with the Holy Spirit. We absolutely can know the temperament of God, and as we grow we can learn the language of the Almighty.
It is sad, but many Christians muddle along, hoping for nothing loftier than a short reprieve from sin, guilt and self-condemnation. Should the lowliness of our sinful state have veto power over the enormity of God's promises? May it never be! For Scripture assures us that our call, even as lowly as we feel sometimes, is an upward climb that relies upon faith in God's abilities and trust in our Lord's redemption. We aren't harnessed to our flaws and weaknesses. Rather in spirit-to-Spirit fusion we are united to the resurrection power of the Son of God! Our call is not merely to attend church but to walk with God, whose eternal goal has predestined us to be "conformed to the image of His Son" (Rom. 8:29).
Yes, let us deeply repent for our sins and learn to walk humbly with our God, but let us not assume faith must depart so humility may arise. No, our adoption as sons and daughters has made us joint heirs with Christ. You see, everything concerning our salvation and the gifts of God in our lives comes to us not as something we attain but as an inheritance we receive.
"The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ" (Rom. 8:16-17).
Let me repeat this thought: an inheritance is not something we earn; it is something we receive. It is wealth given based on the productivity and success of a parent, or in our case, the attainments of Jesus Christ.
Therefore let us set our hopes high upon the promises of God. Though we fall, the Lord will lift us (Prov. 24:16; Micah 7:7-8). God's grace will not wilt because we're weak. In ever-increasing degrees He will work in us conformity to Christ. Yes, let us bring our faith to the fountain of our Father's wondrous grace, but faith itself is a gift He has given us. Let us, therefore, fully believe God can help us attain the mind of our Redeemer, Jesus Christ.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Adapted from Francis Frangipane's ebook, Spiritual Discernment and the Mind of Christ, available at www.arrowbookstore.com.