‘I think’ Versus ‘It is written’
by Yulia Kariuki
When we become Christians many of us experience that the Word of God challenges our own ideas and views about life, our perception of what’s moral, what’s right and what’s wrong. Then we start the process of renewing our mind according to Scripture.
This process isn’t a quick one, as we discover deeply rooted beliefs in us, which are contrary to the Word of God. We have to learn how to let them go, accept the truth of God, and learn how to live out that truth.
The process of renewing our mind and our beliefs is so important, as our own perceptions of life are most likely to contradict the truth of God’s Word. But it’s not unusual to hear Christians sticking to the concept of ‘I think so’, rather than ‘it’s written in the Bible’.
Recently I had a conversation with my friends about healing ministry in the body of Christ. It was sad for me to realise that their church leaders don’t support the idea of people having problems from the past, and the need of deliverance and healing.
They believe that, once we become Christians, we’re new creations and the past is now left in the past. Yes, we are new creations, but does it mean that we no longer have to deal with the choices and decisions we made in the past, and our involvements in ungodly things?
Do we really know the heart of God concerning healing and deliverance in this particular case, or do we just ‘think’ we know better? There are many examples of this. It could be our view on how to discipline children, how to use our money, tithing, or how we are to treat other people. It could even be beliefs we got from our parents.
All the areas of our life have to go through the process of being weighed against the Word of God, so we can have the same mind as the Lord on everything. Some may prefer to stay with their own beliefs, and not change them, but doing this is more likely to bring inner conflict within them as Christians.
We need let go of the ‘I think’ mentality and let the Lord renew our mind, and sanctify it. We need to allow God to build His firm foundation in our lives, based on Scripture. And when the temptations come and difficulties arise we’ll know what’s written in the Bible. We’ll know how to choose God's way.
Is there anything in your life that needs to be lined up with the Word of God? Are there any beliefs and deep rooted thoughts that need to be brought into the light of God’s Word? Are there any areas that need to be built on Scripture instead of your thinking and views of life?
Let's ask the Lord to show us. Our minds should be renewed, so we can think like Him, talk like Him and live like Him.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I pray that You will show me any areas in my life that need to be lined up with Your Word. Help me to believe what’s written in the Bible, instead of what I think is right, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Yulia Kariuki was born in Russia and studied translation and interpretation as her profession. She joined Ellel Ministries in 2009, after graduating from university. The same year she met her husband and Bernard and Yulia served on team for many years both in Scotland and at Ellel Grange.
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