The Mind of Christ
It has been 4 years since God delivered me from disordered eating and shame from past trauma that I experienced as a teenager and young adult. Since then, the freedom has been beyond what I could ask or imagine! But to be honest, I still battle with the temptation to revert to old habits and thought patterns. Through the power of surrendering daily to my Deliverer and Defender, He leads me in triumph for His name's sake!
I am encouraged by the words in 1 Peter:
"So, prepare your minds for action, be completely sober [in spirit—steadfast, self-disciplined, spiritually and morally alert], fix your hope completely on the grace [of God] that is coming to you when Jesus Christ is revealed. [Live] as obedient children [of God]; do not be conformed to the evil desires which governed you in your ignorance [before you knew the requirements and transforming power of the good news regarding salvation]. But like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves in all your conduct [be set apart from the world by your godly character and moral courage]; because it is written, “You shall be holy (set apart), for I am holy.” - 1 Peter 1:13-16 (AMP)
These verses begin with an action call on my part, but I am only able to accomplish these actions not through my power and strength but only through the transforming power of the Holy Spirit. The amazing promise God gives to His children is that He not only cultivates the desire to walk these principles out daily, but He also sustains the ability to be successful in this victory! Peter invites us to prepare our minds for action, being steadfast and self-disciplined, fixing our hope on the grace of God. I know that when my focus is on self, the evil desires of this world, such as the "idol of the perfect body" or "eating from a place of shame or guilt,” appear. My mind is no longer focused on the things of eternity but of the temporal world. This only brings more shame, condemnation, and striving in my own strength! But Paul encourages us in Romans:
"Therefore, there is now no condemnation [no guilty verdict, no punishment] for those who are in Christ Jesus [who believe in Him as personal Lord and Savior]. Now the mind of the flesh is death [both now and forever—because it pursues sin]; but the mind of the Spirit is life and peace [the spiritual well-being that comes from walking with God—both now and forever]" - Romans 8:1,6 (AMP)
So how can I walk in victory when the heaviness of old thought patterns and disordered eating habits are rampid? Fix your hope on the grace of God, He has called you by name, He has set you apart as holy and righteous by the blood of Jesus and His resurrection power! I challenge you to begin a new habit today, come into the presence of your Savior, Redeemer, and Friend; declare to Him, "I can't but You can, I need You Jesus. I ask for Your forgiveness for agreeing with any lies or condemnation, reveal Your truth to me today and continue to transform me into Your image. Help me to see myself as You see me: holy, righteous, and free in Jesus Christ. Thank You Abba Daddy, for Your power, strength, and love in my life. Help me to walk in victory and be confident in You alone."
- Marissa Menth
Animal Enthusiast. Adventure Seeker. Lover of Jesus. Culinary Artist. Overcomer
