MY MIND MADE UP

Jesus turned and said to Peter, "Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men."

I said to myself, "My mind is made up. It will be done the way I want it done, and there will not be any other discussion!"  This is a common phrase. You might have heard your parents say it. You might have told your child, spouse, friend, or coworker. It's excellent how our minds just get made up!

Peter's mind did the same thing.  It got made up.  His mind was determined not to let Jesus fulfill what Jesus came to do, which was to go to Jerusalem and die on the cross.  He did it because he loved Jesus and didn't want to see him die.  Jesus quickly rebukes him and tells him he has his mind set on the things of men and not on that of heaven.  
You know something: a lot of bad things happen when we make our minds up instead of leaving our minds open. A lot of fights continue to be fights. A lot of hurt continues to be hurt all because we get our minds focused on what we want and not what Christ wants.  
So today, practice a couple of things.

1. If you think you are right, see what the Bible says.  Look it up!  If you get your mind set on something, see what God says about it before you do anything.  For some, that means you need to carry around a pocket Bible.  For others, it just means they might need to get involved in Bible study or small group activities.  For some, it just means reading daily.  Whatever it is, check it out.  God's Word is the only truth we need.
2. Take a deep breath. Peter was quick to make decisions, and they were often wrong. He jumped before he looked. So take a deep breath when you are about to make a big decision. Don't be hasty. Don't be rushed. Let the Holy Spirit do its work in your life.
3. Pray.  This is huge.  Just pray.  Invite God to decide for you.  Let God's mind be yours, and amazing things will happen when you do.
4. 
   

As the old saying goes, a mind is a terrible thing to waste. Don't waste yours today; let it remain open, focused, and teachable. Fill your mind with the things of heaven instead of the things of this world. When you do, I know you will always make the right choice.

Love you all,
Rev. Jim