MIND-SET 1

I want to explore the relationship between our conscious and our subconscious mind, and the role of our self image and our emotions; how we can use this knowledge to purposefully align ourselves with God’s will for our lives. It’s a super-powerful mastermind alliance.

Joel Osteen’s book “Your Best Life Now” (Osteen 2005) has had a great impact on me and has inspired much of the following material. Reading Osteen and other Christian personal development authors has opened my eyes to the power of our choice of thoughts and words to change the course of our lives.

You have a great future

We consciously use only about 2% of our brain. The rest of our brain is our subconscious, which is neither positive nor negative, and has no moral stand. It simply responds to what our conscious mind is thinking about. If you are expecting defeat, failure, or mediocrity, your subconscious mind will line itself up with those thoughts and make sure that you lose, fail or sabotage every attempt to push above average. Scary but true. So contrary to the common view, it’s imperative that you ‘get your hopes up’.

Your self image resides in your subconscious. It works as a ‘governor’ that controls your actions and performance. When you exceed your expectations or go a little too far, your self image pulls you back in line. If you fall below the setting, your self image will pull you up. I strongly recommend that you ask God to help you develop your self image. Ask in faith and He will respond. As your self image improves you’ll be amazed at how your abilities excel.

So we move towards what we see in our minds – it’s a spiritual principle as well as a psychological fact. In short, I am transformed by the renewing of my mind.

…. be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. Romans 12:2 NKJV

In this process God is limited only by our faith. It is essential to stay in an attitude of faith and expectancy, declaring God’s favour over your life. Be on the lookout for God’s goodness. When you are going through tough times, more than ever you must choose to be favour-minded. Start declaring God’s favour. Start expecting God’s favour.

When you really understand that you have this favour available to you, you’ll ask for things you haven’t previously asked for. You’ll view your adversities in a new way. You’ve got an edge. Remember that the things which are impossible with men are possible with God.

…. He said, “The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.” Luke 18:27 NKJV

Let that seed take root inside you. You don’t have to figure out how God is going to solve your problems. That’s His responsibility. Your job is to be a believer.

Poverty Mentality?

God created us in His image. He thought it was a good idea to give you that special feature you have, or that unusual personality trait! He sees you as His special masterpiece!

When we go through life with a poverty mentality, it is not glorifying to God. He has put incredible potentials, gifts and talents within us, ready for us to use as we start seeing ourselves as He sees us. We need to step out in faith and act on the dreams and the desires that HE has placed in our hearts.

God has blessed you with every spiritual blessing. In fact you have everything you need right now to fulfil your God-given destiny. And as His children prosper spiritually, physically and materially, their increase brings God pleasure.

You may remember the story of Mephibosheth. He was the grandson of King Saul, but his image of himself kept him from receiving the privileges that rightfully belonged to him. We are children of the King of kings! We need to think of ourselves as such. Even more than that, incredible though it sounds, we have the mind of Christ!

… we have the mind of Christ. 1 Corinthians 2:16 NKJV

Somehow when we identify ourselves with Jesus and everything He has done for us, we develop the same mind as Him. If that sounds too amazing, just remind yourself of

Romans 12:2. God transforms us when we renew our minds.

Learn to be who God made you to be, not what others want you to be. Learn to please God and not necessarily those around you. Stay open-minded and willing to listen to advice. But after you’ve prayed about something, be bold and make a decision that is right for you. God has given you the grace to do what He’s called you to do. Remember that you have everything you need right now to fulfil your God-given destiny.

In the next blog, we’ll learn more about the practice of renewing your mind.

Julia Rosamund Brown

Reference
Osteen, Joel. Your Best Life Now. Time Warner International, 2005.

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