Over the past few days we have focused on living within the spiritual realm. We talked about how that is initiated, what that looks like, the challenges of living there and how to keep our perspective when the visible world presents its stress and trauma.  Part of that mental stress and discomfort originates when we are confronted with contradictory beliefs, ideas, or values that conflict with our existing values.  It rattles our cages. That is because most of us have a strong desire for boundaries and consistency in our lives. Inconsistency tends to make us uncomfortable and at times causes us to question our beliefs or values so we can reason our way back to some level of consistency.

To define the type of consistency that will provide us with the peace and prosperity we desire we have to again focus our attention on an example to follow. Hebrews 13:7 – 9a helps us keep things in context when our values or beliefs are challenged: “Remember your leaders who taught you the word of God. Think of all the good that has come from their lives, and follow the example of their faith. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.  So do not be attracted by strange, new ideas. Your strength comes from God’s grace, not from rules . . .” As hard as it may seem, the key is asking the Spirit of God to give you the mind of Christ. The mind that never changes!

You may not feel like you will ever achieve the mind of Christ, no matter how many times you ask. I understand that and can relate to those thoughts very well. The solution for dialing into this concept is the fact that HIS MIND is available to us when we want to enter the spiritual realm. In other words, we have access to massive amounts of wisdom, understanding and knowledge by moving from a worldly or visible mindset to a spiritual and eternal mindset. When we do that, we accept the sum total of the beliefs that He espouses – and with that mindset we can, through prayer (and fasting if appropriate) shape, reshape, mold or remold our present reality. We take on a mind capable of miracles.

That may sound like “I am not living in the real world” and guess what – you’re right. If I spent all my time living in the real world there would be no peace, joy or hope because of the world’s “marketing campaign.” None of us will ever meet all the criteria the world demands, but deep down inside you know the truth and that is simply that we were fearfully and wonderfully made for God’s purpose – not the world’s. We were created perfectly for such a time as this – and for our realm of influence.

Knowing this we must ask, seek and knock on spiritual doors to get answers. We can find many in the Bible. Those we cannot answer with Biblical examples; the Holy Spirit can provide. We can find even more from life’s experiences and the friends and mentors we talked about the past few days. The key is maintaining your curiosity. You must constantly question and then, shut up and listen. You will never hear answers if you keep talking, making demands or wondering why things aren’t going your way. You must be willing to believe John 10:27 – 28. Listen for the voice that answers the questions.

Kids, you will never have answers unless you ask questions. The answers will help you formulate a worldview that emulates Christ’s view. It will be influenced by God’s spirit and give you the peace and direction you need to travel between both worlds and have sanity during the process.

Love Dad