Yes, Christ is the risen Savior, the living Lord! His Lordship extends even to our minds as we are “to take every thought captive to obey Christ” (2 Cor. 10:5). The Christ-follower is to have the mind of Christ- he is to think Christ’s thoughts after Him. Kind of like those WWJD bracelets- remember “what would Jesus do?” This is what it means to be “epistemologically self-conscious”. And this is good!

OK. But how can I have this mind of Christ? Great question! And I’m going to tell you, but first look at your hand. Five fingers right? But all the fingers are connected to the hand, right? This signifies that the five individual points are all tied together in the hand. They work together in developing this “mind of Christ”. Also, remember that “this mind of Christ” is not merely intellectual, but it is extremely practical. It is to be lived out in the daily activities of our lives. We are to be “doers of the word and not merely hearers who deceive themselves” (James 1:22).

Now for the first point. In Romans 10:17, Paul talks about “hearing the Word of God.” Hearing the Word from godly pastors and teachers gives us insight into other’s study of the Scriptures as well as stimulating our own appetites for the Word. If, as a Christ-follower, you are going to grow in your relationship with and knowledge of Jesus, it is critical that you belong to a church that believes the Bible to be the Word of God and proclaims the Word faithfully, consistently and boldly. Some places might say that they are a church, but if the Word of God is not preached, believed and lived out, they are merely a social club!

Please carefully consider your place of worship. It should be a place where you will grow, be nurtured and encouraged in your faith. A place where you will be fed a steady diet of Scripture. A diet that will help you become discerning which is the ability to use God’s Word to determine good from evil, right from wrong (Heb. 5:11-14). You don’t become discerning by feasting upon Snicker Bars (though I love ’em) and potato chips but upon Scripture.

The second point is “reading the Word” (Revelation 1:3). Reading the Bible gives you an overall picture of God’s Word. Often times a daily reading program helps as you read systematically through the Bible. Please don’t use the “flip and dip” method! It is important to read through a book of the Bible. Begin with a small book, like Colossians or Philippians; then move to longer books, like John or Romans. A good habit is to read a chapter from Proverbs a day. For example, on the first day, read chapter one; the 15th, read chapter 15 and so on. But read the Word!

You must study the Word. Make it a habit to write things down as you discover them in God’s Word. Keeping a journal can be a lot of fun and it helps to keep things organized. Plus we remember things better when we write them down. Look up Acts 17. In verse 11, we are told of the Bereans who “examined the Word daily.” Strive to be a Berean!

Fourthly, memorize the Word. Read Psalm 119:9 and 11. Scripture memory helps the Christ- follower to use the sword of the Spirit (Eph 6:17) effectively and faithfully. Write God’s word upon your heart that you might be able to wield your sword as a faithful warrior for Christ. Scripture memory also helps in witnessing or helping others with a “word in season.”

Hey check out your thumb! Read Psalms 1:2-3. Meditation is the thumb of the Word Hand, for it is used in conjunction with each of the other four methods. Only as the Christ-follower meditates upon the Word of God- thinking of its meaning and application to our lives- will he discover its transforming power at work in us!

Okay! Now get to work that you might become “epistemologically self-conscious.” May your mind be shaped and sharpened by the Scripture. By so doing, you will be better equipped to faithfully obey and serve your Lord. See ya!