Embracing the Mind of Christ

Learning the Life Skill of a Values-Based Life  

Every time we say, “I can’t,” we prove ourselves right. But every time we say, “I can,” we give ourselves a chance to succeed. The key problem is that we are born with a self-preserving, self-centered mentality that often becomes fatalistic and self-defeating.

Have you ever experienced a change of opinion? I hated Brussels sprouts for nearly all my life until I tried them roasted with olive oil. My automatic response changed from gagging at the thought of eating Brussels sprouts to suddenly feeling hungry. That was a paradigm shift: my perception, understanding, and approach changed because I had recategorized their value.

I have learned to view life like Brussels sprouts: life itself is not bad; what we do with it can make it feel disgusting or appealing, sickening or joyfully beneficial.

Transformation becomes more probable when our values and thought processes change. Notice that I said transformation becomes more probable, not more possible. Change may always be possible, but it is not probable until we learn to embrace more beneficial values by displacing less beneficial ones. It was possible for me to eat boiled Brussels sprouts, but it was highly improbable that I would choose to do so. Once I began roasting them, eating them became much more probable.

Sometimes we cannot seem to change how we feel about life, others, or ourselves because we lack perspective. Often, this affects our identity in a non-beneficial way. But when we embrace the mind of Christ, positive transformation becomes more probable. The mind of Christ transforms our lives because it embraces God’s perspective and what God says about who we are. It also realigns our values with the values Christ held. Instead of leaving us goal-oriented and caught in the pressure of success or failure, the mind of Christ forms values that help lead us toward hope, peace, and faithful growth.

Are you trying to live from goal to goal, constantly stressed by the fear of failure or the pressure to succeed? Do you feel stuck focusing on external results instead of internal values? Would you rather enjoy the Brussels sprouts of life than keep gagging at the thought of them? At Christian Care and Coaching, we can help you experience daily grace, peace, and hope by learning to live a values-based life, the fifth principle of ACT. Through embracing the mind of Christ, you can begin to see life differently, value what is truly beneficial, and move forward with renewed hope. Call, text, or email us today!