November 3
Love God With Your Mind
(Mark 12: 28-34)
The human mind is an amazing thing. Its millions of cells form an intricate insturment which is more complex than any man-made computer. Yet we don't often think of it in spiritual terms, so it seems a bit odd for Jesus to tell us to love God with our minds. We can handle loving with the heart or the soul, and certainly with strength, but how do we love God with our minds?
The word Jesus uses for mind was a common term used in that day. It carried several senses, and these can help us uncover the challenge Jesus offers.
I. Loving God With Your Mind Involves Your Intellect
One of the most common meanings of that word "mind" involves the thought process, or human rationality. The ability to think, to reason, is a gift of God, and using it is an act of worship.
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Some people seem to believe that a good Christian must put the mind in neutral. One preacher was asked what he'd preach the next Sunday, and replied, "I never prepare ahead of time. When I stand up to preach, God himself doesn't know what I'm going to say!" Failure to use one's brain is hardly reason for bragging!
God wants us to use our minds to His glory, not turn them off as a gesture of misplaced spirituality. There is no need to be afraid that using our minds to the best of their ability will damage our relationship with Christ; all truth is God's truth, and the more we develop that gift He has given the more He can use it in our lives for His glory.
II. Loving God With Your Mind Involves Your Attitude
Kittel tells us that one common sense of the word for "mind" used by Jesus is to describe a "way of thought" or "disposition" -- a person's attitude about life. Christ says these attitudes or persectives should be turned toward God.
A phrase common to the 1960's was "consciousness raising." It meant increasing our awareness and sensitivity in a certain area. When we come to Christ, we undergo a divine consiousness raising. The Greek term for repentance literally means "a change of mind." As Christians we think differently because God has given us a new mind.
Our attitudes are reflected in the things we say and do. That's why we laugh at the irony of Linus saying to Charlie Brown: "I love humanity. It's people I can't stand." What is on the inside will inevitably surface in our words and actions.
III. Loving God With Your Mind Involves Your Will
Several ancient Greek writers used this word "mind" to describe the will -- the volitional aspect of our lives. That's the part that makes decisions; the part that says "yes" and "no".
Loving God with your mind involves decision. It involves a commitment of your life, a surrender of your will to Christ as Lord of your life. That means accepting his authority over your life. It's an act of will, a decision to let Christ give direction and purpose to your life.
November 10
Giving That God Loves
(Mark 12: 38-44)
Perhaps you've heard the story about the pastor who was urging his flock to stronger stewardship. Reminding them of all God's gifts, he exclaimed, "Shouldn't you respond likewise? Every member of this church ought to give a tenth of his income to the Lord." One member was so inspired that he interrupted: "Ten percent is not enough! Every one of us should give a twentieth!"