A Renewed And Undistracted Mind
Since making my first step toward rededicating my life to Christ last September, there have been many changes in my life, all spiritually rooted.
I attend church regularly on Sundays and Wednesday evenings, not that anyone is keeping track, I just made it a priority, once I came to appreciate that fellowship is a part of spiritual growth and maturation.
If I do miss service I feel as though I’ve missed something important in my day, kind of like skipping a meal and then getting those awful jittery feelings; sometimes I even feel slightly disconnected from God.
I no longer shy away from church functions and activities (hey that’s how I blew up my Achilles tendon) nor opportunities to be of service to someone or a ministry. Simply put I get involved in activities.
Prayer is a constant in my life and Bible study is now a daily habit that I eagerly look forward to. I look to the Lord as my provider, both spiritually and in the natural. I’m more conscious of God at work in my life. I spend less time aimlessly browsing the internet, or wasting valuable time that could be spent being built up spiritually.
My attitude and the way I approach relationships with people has slowly improved, I’m more tolerant of differing views, less likely to react in a negative manner to other people’s funky attitudes.
All of the changes that I mentioned are a reflection of Romans 12:2.
Romans 12:2
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is - his good, pleasing and perfect will.
I’ve never been one to become deeply involved in politics, I will admit though that I have had my opinion on a few political topics from time to time.
During President Clinton’s administration for example, I would have been one to cast a vote to impeach him over the Lewinsky incident. If I had been a registered voter, I most likely would have voted for President Bush, mainly because I?m a Veteran, and still have a soft spot for the military.
Years ago, on more than one occasion, I know that I’ve engaged in political conversation with co-workers, and I came off being bull headed, over opinionated and critical. Taking part, or monopolizing a discussion I would often became emotional in my views (hot-headed).
Since renewing my walk, I’ve taken the approach that there are some things that I just don’t need to get involved in, political discussions and debates being one of those things. This is one reason why the Got-Fruit Blog will not have a Politics category.
The more important reason for not having a Politics category is that it was explicitly revealed by the Holy Spirit to not engage in secular topics that tend to get people worked up. The Blog was started to share Biblical knowledge, information and personal insights, not to spark debates. It didn’t occur to me to question or investigate the pros and cons of avoiding political topics however, as it isn’t a passion of mine anyways. That said, during Bible study last night I came across a Bible verse that gave me some clarity on my stand to avoid politics in general.
Maybe I’m taking it out of context, but the scripture seemed appropriate regardless. The verse comes from 2 Timothy 2:4. Timothy, a young minister for the church of Ephesus is going through hardships as the church is falling apart due to the persecution of Christians by Emperor Nero (A.D. 66-67). Members of the church as well as leaders that Timothy thought were legitimately solid in their faith, are departing the church in great number to save their lives; some even returning to their pagan worship. Timothy is mentally drained and devastated by this, so Paul writes Timothy to lift him up. In his letter Paul gives Timothy three examples of training and preparation to renew Timothy.
2 Timothy 2:1-7
You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.2And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others.3Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs-he wants to please his commanding officer. 5Similarly, if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not receive the victor’s crown unless he competes according to the rules. 6The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops. 7Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this.
When I read 2 Timothy 2:4 a light came on, it was one of those “Ah ha, I get it!” moments for me. Granted 2 Timothy 2:4 doesn’t say “Thou shalt not engage in politics”. I understood it to mean that in the same way that a soldier does not get involved in civilian affairs to avoid becoming distracted from his duties and thus causing displeasure with his commanding officer; Christians should be weary of becoming involved in concerns of the world and becoming distracted from their mission in Christ.
Maybe it’s a stretch for some… but I’m comfortable with it.
C.A. Stallworth