[WP-Coder id="1"]
Bankrupt modern secular thinking
Francis Schaeffer, in his classic, How Should We Then Live? says there are two impoverished values that permeate the secular mind –
1) Personal peace – to be left alone, not bothered by other people’s problems and troubles. Schaeffer explained it as ‘to live one’s life with the minimal possibility of being personally disturbed’.
2) Overwhelming, ever–increasing Affluence – continuously growing prosperity, more material stuff, leisure, pleasure and comfort.
A majority of secular thinkers’ decisions are based on what will most contribute to our own personal space and our accumulation of ever more stuff and pleasure.
Patrick Morley adds a third penurious value –
3) The comfort of religion without the demands of commitment, sacrifice or service to anyone but ourselves. I constantly wrestle against letting this worldview dominate my decisions! Contrasted to this are people who Think Like Jesus.
What are the signs of a Jesus thinker?
Jeff Foxworthy might put it this way:
“You know you’re a Jesus thinker if you . . .”
- acknowledge the supernatural – the eternity perspective.
- have a holistic view of self and service – our Christianity isn’t just a minor part of life, it permeates everything we do.
- affirm the reality of absolute truth – not whatever you want to believe, but what God says is true.
- are aware of evil in the world – acknowledge the fall of humanity into sin and the ongoing struggle against evil in our personal lives.
- have a high regard for the person, created in God’s image (including the unborn).
These are all things that the secular worldview denies or is confused about.
The making of a Jesus thinker
Start with prayer – this is foundational in our attempts to become Jesus thinkers.
Examine your life – constantly asking, “Am I thinking like Jesus would?”
Read the Bible – looking for new insights that you haven’t noticed before.
Develop new habits – less TV, more exercise, intellectual challenges, read through the Bible. Memorize Proverbs 14:12, Isaiah 55:8–11, and so on.
Set biblical goals – grow closer to God.
Read books on Christlike thinking by Francis Schaeffer, R. Zacharias, Josh McDowell, Chuck Colson, Philip Yancey, Philip Keller;
Take a Bible seminar or class—I know a good seminary, willing and able to help.
Subscribe to Books & Culture or World magazine or Christianity Today.
Next time: The benefits of being a Jesus Thinker . . .
[thrive_leads id=’733′]