The Root of the Mind: A Life Yielded to Glory

The Root of the Mind: A Life Yielded to Glory

The mind of Christ is a distinct spiritual disposition characterised by a total absence of selfish ambition and an instinctive drive toward the well-being of others. It is a state of being where one is perfectly joined together in the same judgment, possessing a love that does not fluctuate based on personal preference (1Cor.1:10; Php.2:2). This mindset is defined by a lowliness that naturally esteems others as better than oneself and looks outward at the needs of the body rather than inward at personal desires (Php.2:3-4). However, it is vital to recognise that this is not our mind; it does not originate within the human heart, nor is it an extension of our natural temperament.

The mind of Christ is entirely foreign to our corrupt nature. It is not a collection of our best thoughts or a refined version of our own desires; it is the very life and thinking of Christ Jesus Himself. We do not produce these thoughts by trying to think more "spiritually" or by exerting our self-will. Instead, these thoughts enter our mind as we read and study the scriptures, internalising the doctrine of grace. As we spend time in the Word, His thoughts begin to fill the spaces where our own used to dwell, renewing our thinking from the inside out (Rom.12:2). The more we occupy ourselves with His truth, the more His perspective becomes the lens through which we view the world.

When the Word of God is rooted deeply within us, it inevitably produces the fruit of Christ-like attributes. The "one accord" and "lowliness of mind" mentioned in the scriptures are the natural results of His life coursing through a believer (Php.2:2-3). Just as a branch does not struggle to produce fruit but simply allows the life of the vine to flow through it, we do not manifest these virtues by our own strength. Compassion, kindness, and longsuffering emerge naturally as we stop resisting His thoughts and allow His Word to do the work (Col.3:12). It is the life of Christ in us, rather than our own efforts at "being better," that results in a walk that reflects righteousness and true godliness.

To yield is to intentionally give over our life and will to the authority of the Word. It is the decision to stop seeking our own desires and instead seek His, regardless of how we feel. Yielding to the "word of life" means we allow the scripture to have the final say in our judgments and actions. We are told to "let" this mind be in us (Php.2:5), which means we stop hindering the Spirit's work. By "putting on" humbleness of mind and "forbearing one another in love" (Col.3:12; Eph.4:2), we are not performing; we are submitting to the reality of who we are in Christ. It is a surrender of the "high things" and "vain glory" that the flesh craves (Rom.12:16; Gal.5:26), choosing instead to "condescend to men of low estate" (Rom.12:16).

There is no greater vocation than to fill your mind with the Word of God until the thoughts of Christ become your own (Eph.4:1). This is what it means to walk in the Spirit—to be so consumed by His truth that your steps are directed by His wisdom. When you yield to the Word, you are coming to the knowledge of the truth and fulfilling the very will of God. This life of surrender is what truly pleases Him, as it allows His glory to be seen through a vessel that has stopped trying and started trusting. Fill your mind with His thoughts, yield your will to His Word, and watch as He transforms your walk into a living testimony of His grace.

True spiritual transformation is not the result of a man's struggle to reach God, but the result of God’s Word reigning in a yielded man.

The Pillars

• Php.2:5: "Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:"
• Rom.12:16: "Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits."
• Col.3:12: "Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;"