mindset

I think "winning" or "losing" in the Christian life is all about mindset. When I use those terms I'm not thinking about success or failure as these are often viewed, of course. Victory here would be with reference to following Christ, while defeat means not or no longer doing so.

Mindset is so crucial. We need to feed our minds on the truth of God's word, scripture. I'm thinking about the story of God as found in scripture, both the broad sweep of it, as well as important details in it given to us.

Winning or losing begins in the mind. If we have the mindset that everything should be perfect or just a certain way, that we should be without sin or struggle in this life, that if we're tempted to sin we're in trouble and a whole host of other untruths that it seems easy for us to be living by, then we're setting ourselves up for failure and defeat.

But if we set our focus of faith on Christ, and acknowledge that this life is one in which victory comes in a salvific way, in other words God's salvation for us in Jesus is ongoing and is daily needed. And if we live as those confident in that salvation from God in Christ, not trying to avoid difficulties and troubles in this life, then we're setting ourselves up to be those who are more open to God's grace, so that we can exercise faith no matter what we face.

I get in trouble when I focus on the problem. If I keep focusing on that then I'm failing to see the grace God offers to me in Christ. I'm failing to hear God's word to me in Christ. And I'm failing to act, not in my own strength, but with faith in the goodness and faithfulness of God in Christ for us.

We need to think more about mindset and how that can help us or hinder us, according to scripture.

What might you add here that could help us?