Think like Christ!

1 Peter 4: 1 Since Jesus went through everything you're going through and more, learn to think like him. Think of your sufferings as a weaning from that old sinful habit of always expecting to get your own way. 2 Then you'll be able to live out your days free to pursue what God wants instead of being tyrannized by what you want. 3 You've already put in your time in that God-ignorant way of life, partying night after night, a drunken and profligate life. Now it's time to be done with it for good. 4 Of course, your old friends don't understand why you don't join in with the old gang anymore. But you don't have to give an account to them. 5 They're the ones who will be called on the carpet - and before God himself. (The Message)

Jesus identifies with you. The least you can do is identify with Jesus. Peter knew life before Jesus, life with Jesus, and life after Jesus. Peter knew that once he encountered Jesus, his life would never be the same. Peter knew there is nothing we have experienced that Jesus does not know from His own personal experience, so we should think like Him. The main difference is that as we think like Jesus we see the possibility and hope that we did not possess before we had Jesus in our hearts. And if we are suffering or experiencing challenges that we did not expect, Peter says that these can serve to help us learn that we are growing toward Jesus and away from our old sinful life. Peter puts it more bluntly; we no longer get our own way. It is now about Jesus and Jesus having His way. If our pursuits are for the things of God, we will be free from the desires and demands of our old life. Our days now are no longer "God-ignorant," our days now are God-savvy, and should be consumed by pursuing the things of God. Our old days should be over and our days with God should be new days, striving to grow closer to, and more Christ-like. Our old friends may not understand but Peter says that it is alright, because they will be the ones "called on the carpet - and before God himself." (v. 5)

If we spend time with Christ, we will know Him more intimately and we will possess the mind of Christ, a clear way ot thinking, free from despair and filled with hope. No longer troubled with fear and doubt, but filled with the thoughts of possibility and triumph when it seems all is lost. Christ kept His eyes on God and thus His mind was guided and blessed by God. We should do the same.

PRAYER: God of life and fullness of life, grant to me the mind of Christ. I want to have the hope and faith of He who knew and suffered all things for my sake. Give me hope enough to share, and peace enough to endure. I pray in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!

Eradio Valverde