John 3:30 (ESV) He must increase, but I must decrease.
The displacement theory is relatively simple. Two things cannot fill the same space. This theory is demonstrated in physics and psychology. Archimedes was taking a bath when he noticed that the full bath overflowed when he lowered himself into it. He suddenly realized that he could measure volume by the amount of water it displaced. The law of displacement carried over into psychology as well. The basic idea is that if you insert one thing into the space of the human mind – you exclude the alternative. Thought displacement is essential in the heart and mind of the believer. The weapon of the enemy is the lie. If we react to the lie, it is difficult to identify and respond to the Truth. Therefore, it is imperative to have the Mind of Christ which identifies with His Word because He is the Word. It is the logic of our faith in Christ; otherwise the entire concept of believing has no foundation.
When Archimedes went to take his bath that day, I wonder if he was thinking scientifically. Probably not, he was just doing what he probably did on a regular basis. He was engaged in his routine. Yet when he stepped into the bath and saw the overflowing water from the tub something clicked on the inside of him. Ordinary life can release extraordinary thinking in the fertile mind. We must be careful caretakers of our thoughts because they ultimately determine our actions. To take direction from one person will lead us to their destiny, but what if our destination is different. God has given you an identity and place that is individual. No other person is destined to live the same life as you. It is all part of this grand scheme called life designed by a Creator who is Sovereign. His Creation is perfect. Sin displaced perfection in us. However, it is only for a limited time for those who believe. If we allow Christ to increase, and self to decrease mediocrity will be displaced by the masterpiece that God had planned all along.
I Corinthians 2:14-16 (ESV) The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned. The spiritual person judges all things, but is himself to be judged by no one. “For who has understood the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?” But we have the mind of Christ.
The believer often lives a life of contradiction. It is this inner conflict that hinders Kingdom Living. A natural mind cannot and will not accept the things of the Spirit of God. Unable to understand and properly discern spiritual thoughts and ideas, they are displaced by human logic. Therefore our actions are derived from such thinking rather than being displaced by God’s Words and His Will. The spiritual person filters their thoughts including everything running through the mind, will and emotions through God’s Word and His Spirit. What does God say about your situation? What does His Word tell us to do? What reality do we respond to?
I have the Mind of Jesus Christ. If you are a believer, you do too. It doesn’t mean that our mind is made up just that all things are possible for those who believe. Those who believe that Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life. Those who decide He is the only access point to the Father and choose to engage in a relationship and establish a real bond and connection to Christ. To resolve the inner conflict between doubt and belief. To determine and discipline our thoughts. To be subject to the Lord in all things not just some things. To live a life in total agreement with God and His Word is the only way that the conflict is resolved and we no longer live in contradiction to the Kingdom.
Romans 12:1-2 (ESV) I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world; but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
The renewing of our mind is essential in successful Christian living. You will never walk by faith and sight at the same time to success. Our heart and mind must agree with God’s Thoughts and Ideas to keep our passion carefully under control and headed in the right direction. There is a code of conduct set forth called The Four Agreements. Based on ancient Toltec wisdom, it sets forth four agreements that will lead to personal freedom. Be impeccable with your word. Don’t take anything personally. Don’t make assumptions. Always do your best. Simple and straightforward truths that will change your life. Are they Biblical? I think so.
Be impeccable with your word.
Psalm19:14 (ESV) Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.
We must be impeccable with our words. The power of life and death are in the tongue. Our heart, mind, thoughts and words must align with the Mind of Christ completely. This is not a religious overture but a relational opportunity. Our covenant with Christ affords us a better life. It offers the best life possible to any human but it is accepted in humility. It is not a go forth and conquer mentality but all things are possible to those who believe mindset. My constant and ongoing method must be seeking the Truth and allowing it to continually set me free from all the lies, snares and traps that once hindered me. I am powerful when I am powerless. His Grace is the power works best in my weakness. Giving away all that I am to fully embody the Christ in me.
Don’t take anything personally.
Ephesians 4:30-32 (ESV) And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.
The careful cultivation of the fertile heart requires daily weeding. We must examine our heart and mind for anything that is offensive to the Lord. We cannot take offense. We cannot harbor unforgiveness and hostility toward other people or we hand them our freedom. Our life does not belong to us. We belong to Jesus. Therefore, to become hateful and grudging people halts the work of God and His Holy Spirit inside of us when it is met with willful opposition. Unforgiveness is the declaration that there is a sin or transgression unpardonable which nullifies Christ’s Work on the Cross and its completeness. Such an attitude is an act of rebellion that hinders us. Who the Son sets free is free indeed. We must maintain our freedom.
Don’t make assumptions.
Hebrews 11:1 (ESV) Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.
There is blessed assurance and the assumption of power. We are to live by faith. To live in constant hope offered to us by God through His Son, Jesus Christ. It is the inner conviction of the reality of the unseen potential in our life to be prospered by the Lord. The definition of assumption is two-fold. An assumption is that which is accepted as true and certain to happen without proof. As believers, we have living proof. The existence of God’s Spirit living inside of us as “assurance” does not require is to assume anything. However, there is another definition of assumption that is the action of taking or beginning to take power or responsibility. Isaiah 55 tells us that God’s Thoughts are not our thoughts. His Ways are not our ways. He is higher intelligence in all things. God’s Word will not return to Him void. If it is in His Word designated for us – it is only a matter of time. We must be careful not to assume the power of our life because waiting takes too long and impatience takes over. We must live in full assurance and never make assumptions based on what we see or feel.
Always do your best.
Colossians 3:23-24 (ESV) Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.
Always do your best. I know there are days when life is hard. People mistreat you. Problems plague you. The world is a hard place to live most of the time. Tragedy strikes every single day. Yet if we could just keep our perspective. To purpose every day and in every season to serve the Lord. To do whatever it is you do whole heartedly working for the Lord and not men. God has an inheritance and reward set aside for you that cannot be touched by anyone but you. We must keep our focus on serving Christ and not allowing discouragement to deteriorate discipline. When we work for God and not mankind, suddenly His Favor surrounds us and there are hidden blessings in His Hand that humans could never reproduce. The Fruit of His Spirit is love, joy and peace just to name a few. This is the spiritual food that feeds our soul and prospers us from the inside out. We must focus our efforts on serving God in every position of life to see something prosper from it.
2 Corinthians 10:3-6 (ESV) For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ, being ready to punish every disobedience, when your obedience is complete.
We must displace every lie, half-truth, settlement and substitution in our life. We must commandeer every rebellious and random thought contrary to the reality of faith. It is important. We must live a life in total agreement with God using His Word to stay free and live the promised. The ultimate obedience in the life of a believer is not our ability to follow the Law but in our absolute and total agreement with God’s Word. To believe Him enough to forsake all others and say, “Jesus – I choose You!” Our mind is full of thoughts and ideas contrary to the Mind of Christ. He invites to come and let’s settle this. Let’s work together until you are convinced. God is not a man that He should lie. He doesn’t change His Mind. His Word and Will for you are secure in Christ alone. You must only be convinced to receive it today and every day until we meet Him or He comes for us. True freedom comes when every wayward thought is displaced by God’s Truth.
John 8:31-32 (ESV) So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
Pure Devotion 