The Main Thing What is the most essential element of our personal growth and development as a Christian disciple? Jesus seems to address this issue with the first words He spoke in Mark’s gospel account. “Now after John was put in prison, Jesus came to Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, 15 and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel’” (Mark 1:14). As Christ came to proclaim, “The kingdom of God is at hand,” He instructs His followers to, “Repent, and believe in the gospel.” In other words, change the way you think, because the kingdom is here, and faith in the gospel will be required for you to function and fulfill your place in it. The first priority is that of getting our minds renewed in order to think, speak, and act appropriately as citizens of God’s kingdom realm. This is especially important in these very exciting times! We must evaluate our own spiritual lives and ask some very specific questions. Am I continuing to learn and develop in regard to God’s ways and the principles of His kingdom? What am I doing to assure that I am indeed growing and developing in a healthy manner? To be not conformed to the world, but rather transformed, requires progressive “renewing of the mind.” In this post-modern world, it is often easier to follow the world’s mindset instead of taking necessary steps to live a life that is in contrast to those around us. Following are some basic steps that may help in the process: Acknowledge a personal need to get my mind renewed (Romans 12:1-2). Present my bodily members as instruments of righteousness (Romans 6:13). Approach God and His Word with humility and meekness, allowing His truth to be “grafted” into my heart (James 1:21). Study God’s Word. Never stop learning and growing (2 Timothy 2:15). Experience God’s manifest presence. Allow God’s Spirit to bring revelation, wisdom, and understanding (Ephesians 1:17-18). God gave very clear instructions to Joshua during a time of extreme change and transformation: “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success” (Joshua 1:8). We must allow the Word to take root in our hearts. It is to be in our mouths and on our lips. In other words, SPEAK the Word! Our mouths will speak what is abundantly in our hearts (Luke 6:45). Furthermore, we must practice the art of meditating on what God says, not what people or situations dictate/communicate. Next, believers are to give attention and evaluate whether or not we are actually DOING what God instructs us to do. This goes beyond thinking we are doing something simply because we believe it is true. It goes beyond mere thoughts and intentions. To DO involves action and behavior. Scripture promises that if we will give heed to these directives we will experience true prosperity and good success. Finally, in this time of extreme change and social upheaval, we must guard our hearts. “Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life” (Proverbs 4:23). Give no place to fear, confusion, doubt, or any other thing that is contrary to God’s Word. God’s truth is and will be the final authority. There is only one truth. God’s Word is truth. If what I am thinking, feeling, speaking, or doing is contrary to truth, then it must be an “untruth.” Am I building on a foundation of truth or falsehood? More to come, until next time . . . Grace & Peace, pg