Encouraging Word
Romans 8:29 says that it is God’s will for us to be like Jesus. “…He also predestined us to be conformed to the image of His Son…” Let’s focus on three areas that will help us to achieve this. We need to have a: clean heart; a clear mind; and a close walk.
1. Clean Heart. Here the heart is defined as our command center, the seat of life or strength, and the entire emotional nature and understanding. Proverbs 4:23 says “…guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” So, what is it that we need to guard against? Sin. Sin is rebellion against God to disobey and break God’s laws. James 4:17 says to know to do good and not do it, then that is sin. Sin is damaging, destructive, and deadly. Psalm 32:1-5 and Psalm 51:9-12 talk about the danger of sin and the importance of having a clean heart. I John 1:9 says, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
2. Clean Mind. Mind refers to where thought takes place, perceptions are developed, interpretations are made, and where we make decisions and choices. Proverbs 23:7 says that whatever a person thinks within themselves, so they are. Romans 12:2 says to be transformed by the renewing of your mind. II Corinthians 10:5 says to take every thought captive. Colossians 3:2 says to set your mind on things above. Philippians 4:8 gives guidance on what to think about. You can only focus on one thought at a time, so choose your thoughts carefully. Like the children’s song says, “Be careful little mind what you think, for the Father up above is looking down with love…”
3. Close Walk. Walk refers to behavior, lifestyle, spiritual journey, interacting with God through the course of the day, feeling His presence and power, and receiving His strength and guidance. Enoch was a man who walked with God. Genesis 5:24 says, “Enoch walked with God; and he was not, for God took him.” Micah 6:8 says that we should walk humbly with God. Colossians 1:10 says to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord and to please Him in all respects. Galatians 5:25 instructs us to live by the Spirit and walk in the Spirit. Maintaining a close walk with God requires that we submit to His will, be sensitive to His leading, and be serious about serving Him.
To be more like Jesus will require that we have a clean heart, clear mind, and close walk. Let me encourage you to stay the course.
-Tony Cooper
Former Exec. Director, Jimmie Hale Mission
