“…If The Spirit Of God Lives In You!”

“…If The Spirit Of God Lives In You!”(Rom.8:5-11).
When God called Jeremiah he told him: “See, today I appoint you over nations and kingdoms to uproot and tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and plant”(Jer.1:10). Jeremiah’s commission appointment is rightfully a basis for reconstruction theology.
Reconstruction does not take place without deconstruction. Deconstruction in turn happens only on what has been constructed. Jeremiah was to uproot and tear down, to destroy and overthrow” – deconstruction of what was already planted, instituted or established. Thereafter he had “to build and to plant” – reconstruct what he had deconstructed.
Three levels of reconstruction includes personal, ecclesiastical and social.
As the saying goes, “If there should be change, let it begin with me.” To this end our focus is reconstruction at the individual level. As individuals who make up the body of Christ we must individually be the difference. Then as a Church, the body of Christ, we can constitute the moral minority that truly becomes the conscience of society, the voice of the voiceless and the mouthpiece of the oppressed.
There are two mindsets presented in today’s text: The sinful mindset and the Spirit mindset.
Humanity has an inclination towards the sinful mindset that needs to be deconstructed so as to be reconstructed. This reconstruction is needed because those living according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires. They are hostile to God and do not submit to God’s law. They are controlled by the sinful nature and cannot please God and their end is eternal damnation.
Those who live according to the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. They are controlled by the Spirit which is life and peace.
Having seen the difference, do you think you need a mindset reconstruction? A quick reminder: Mindset is your frame of mind. Mindset is the way you think, “your attitudes, opinions and programmed beliefs…”
Maybe you do or maybe you do not. It all depends on how you understand this: “You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit…” Note that this is only “if the Spirit of God lives in you. And…if Christ is in you…”
Dear friend, the journey of faith is somewhat constantly in need of reconstruction and not renovation. Whatever is going on with you and with us as a people reveals our mindset choices. The scary takes and our relationship with others requires deconstruction – mindset change!
The Spirit cannot sit comfortably in warped up mindsets. Let us seek the face of God and like David plead, “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me” Amen!(Ps.51:10-11).
Have a blessed day! Peace be with you!
Prayer point: Pray for collective mindset change.
Rev Babila Fochang.