Reply To: Christian Character Discussion Board 2

[Benny4real]

Name: Owhondah Ugochi Benedicta
Course Title: Christian Character
Course Code: CC-105-LC
Anchor: Pastor Nkechi Ene (Mrs)
The renewal of the mind is central to the development of your character as a believer. Write a post on 5 ways renewing your mind can help develop your character as a Christian.
The renewal of the mind is the key to guaranteed success in every area of your life.
1) When we renew our mind through the word, we are transformed into the express image of Christ. When we renew our minds consistently we get an example in Christ to compare our conduct and character against His:
According to 2 Corinthians 3:18 But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord. This scripture says that as we behold we become (paraphrase). Also in James 1:21 Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.James 1:22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. Jesus Christ was and still is the perfect example of what it means to walk in good conduct and sterling character. He showed this through His actions and responses whenever His character was questioned at various times e.g at the garden of Gethsemane “Luke 22:50 And one of them struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his right ear. :51 But Jesus answered and said, “Permit even this.” And He touched his ear and healed him. He has shown us that true character comes from the inside. It is not a question of what was done to you and what your expected response should be.
2) A consistent renewal of our mind allows God shape us into the very image of Christ through the help of the Holy Spirit:
John 14:26 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you. When we study the word and or listen to messages, go for word based seminars and others, we are doing our part in the renewal of our minds still the Holy Spirit shapes us into the very image of Christ. When we behold and are transformed in our hearts then we begin to see a physical manifestation of the character of Christ Himself through the help of the Holy Spirit. Character is both imparted and developed character. Therefore we are to work hand in hand with the Holy Spirit to develop this character that has been imparted through the new birth.
3) The renewal of our mind shows us what we need to do instead of what we ought to do:
According to Matthew 5, Jesus gives us various guides of what we need to do instead of what we ought to do. Matthew 5:43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy’. According to the scripture above, you ought not to love someone who hates you, yet Jesus tells us otherwise in the next verse, Matthew 5:44 But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you. This is definitely not what we ought to do but what we need to do as Jesus has shown us. Whatever character you choose to display at any point in time, do not compare it with what others would do, rather compare it with what Jesus did or expects us to do. We should always ask ourselves “What would Jesus do”.
4) The renewal of our mind helps us become more knowledgeable and less ignorant:
1 Peter 1:14 as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance; 15 but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, 16 because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy.”
Proverbs 16:16 How much better to get wisdom than gold! And to get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver. 17 The highway of the upright is to depart from evil; He who keeps his way preserves his soul.
The more we renew our minds, the more knowledge we have of who we are in Christ Jesus. This forms a basis for our character as believer’s. We are no longer bound by the law of sin and death, we know that being raptured to see our maker on the last day is what is the goal, therefore our focus is living a life that is pleasing to God.
Proverbs 16:7 When a man’s ways please the Lord, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him. We have been liberated through grace into righteousness and right standing with the Father. We know how to act because we know the Word.
5) Renewal of the mind purges and cleanses us and ignites fire on the inside of us:
Isaiah 1:18 “Come now, and let us reason together,” Says the Lord, “Though your sins are like scarlet, They shall be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, They shall be as wool.
God’s word has the power to cleanse us no matter how messed up we think out characters may be. When we open our hearts to the pure word, it is able to help us learn and unlearn. It doesn’t matter how corrupt your mind may be, consistent renewal of the mind will purge it of everything that is not of God. When the fire inside of us is stirred up it burns to ash everything that needs not be there and makes us hungry for the Word of God even more.