Weights and Measures

Do I truly have the mind of Christ? If he were to evaluate my life, what would His opinion of me be?

Today I was challenged by the account of Jesus and the rich young ruler. This man was doing the right things according to the law, and yet he was found lacking. Why? Because Jesus pointed out the weak spot in his life and he walked away.

So I'm sitting here wondering—if Jesus were to examine my life, what would he find?

1. I'm a hard worker. This is good, but what am I seeking through hard work? Approval. For some skewed reason I am trying to earn the approval of those around me by the things I do. When someone casts even one small statement my way of disapproval, I crumble and work all the harder to earn their approval. An endless, unhealthy cycle to be sure.
2. I'm looking to be the best me I can be. This is good, but my focus is on me and not others. I'm selfish. Everything I do is to get myself further along. To be sure, we are all creatures that look for ways to get the edge, but right now it's about me and Jesus. And when it all comes down I want what I want and I don't care who needs to be stepped on to get it.
3. I seek righteousness. This is good, but I will likely compare myself to another pilgrim on this journey of life and then put them down so my "righteousness" shines brighter. Leaving them broken on the side of the road I hurry along to my next stop.

And those are just a few of many to be sure. If I really let myself go in this, I would spiral out of control like Paul did in Romans 7. When he says "Parts of me covertly rebel, and just when I least expect it, they take charge" I feel it. I live it. And at that point I am completely condemned.

But wait. Praise be to The Almighty One there is more. When he asks the question, "I'm at the end of my rope. Is there no one who can do anything for me? Isn't that the real question?" The answer is found in the one doing the evaluation.

"²The answer, thank God, is that Jesus Christ can and does. He acted to set things right in this life of contradictions where I want to serve God with all my heart and mind, but am pulled by the influence of sin to do something totally different."

And then the Therefore. Let me just say I love the word therefore. The first 2 sentences in chapter 8 answer all of my self-railing for all eternity. "With the arrival of Jesus, the Messiah, that fateful dilemma is resolved. Those who enter into Christ's being-here-for-us no longer have to live under a continuous, low-lying black cloud. A new power is in operation. The Spirit of life in Christ, like a strong wind, has magnificently cleared the air, freeing you from a fated lifetime of brutal tyranny at the hands of sin and death."

There. Evaluation over. Jesus started it and Jesus will finish it. My job is to allow His Spirit of life to clear the air and free me from the brutal tyranny of sin and death. Now back to the original question. Do I have the mind of Christ? If an only if I am surrendered to His Spirit of life and looking at Him with every ounce of strength He gives me.

Thanks be to God.