To grow in Christ, one major aspect that has to change is your thinking.

For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God’s law; indeed, it cannot. (‭Romans‬ ‭8‬:‭5-7‬ ESV)

If you have put your trust in Christ, then your sinful flesh has been put to death and you are liberated from the sinful nature. However, because you are not yet glorified with Christ, you have a fallen flesh that is corrupted by sinful habits. These are what the Spirit within you wars against (see Romans 6-8, Galatians 5).

So, how do you set your mind on the things of the Spirit?

1. Renew your mind – By renewing your mind, you become set apart for God (a living sacrifice), and it is your spiritual act of worship (Romans 12:1-3).

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. (‭Romans‬ ‭12‬:‭2‬ ESV)

2. Set your mind on things above – If you want to do things that will matter for eternity, then you have to look towards and set your intention on eternity. Otherwise, you’ll be distracted by what is here on earth.

If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. (‭Colossians‬ ‭3‬:‭1-3‬ ESV)

3. Trust in God, be thankful for His blessings (rejoice!), and think about good things.

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. (‭Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭4-9‬ ESV)

The difficulty is making these things habits within your mind. Discipline is difficult. I’ve started trying to develop a mental trigger (a habit). For example, every time I run for exercise I’ve been training my mind to focus on God, His attributes, and who He wants me to help or be an encouragement to.  I’ll play some rockin’ music that makes me reflect on Christ, pray, worship and envision what it will be like to enter into God’s rest and be rewarded with the words of Jesus, “Well done good and faithful servant.” I’ve found that this actually energizes me while I’m exercising, instead of what you would expect that I’d be drained.

Why do I want to renew my mind? Our actions flow from our thoughts and mental focus. Jesus even pointed this concept out in Matthew 5:21-30. You see, I don’t want to simply make it to heaven. I want all the jewels and precious stones I can get for Christ’s glory! I don’t deserve His unconditional love and atoning sacrifice for my filthy wretchedness. IT’S. ALL. FOR. HIM!!

For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw — each one’s work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done. If the work that anyone has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward. If anyone’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire. (1 Corinthians 3:11-15)