THIS ONE THING or
THE ONLY ACCEPTABLE MINDSET

" . . . Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus . . ." (Philippians 3:7-16)

Devotion 11 of 13

AN ATTITUDE FOR THE PERFECT
"Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded . . . " (KJV).

There is a precious thing to note here. The man of God speaks as one of the members of Christ's body, not as a lord over it: i.e., "Let US . . . " Thirteen times in the book of Hebrews, this expression is used (4:1,11,14,16; 6:1; 10:22,23,24; 12:1,28; 13:13,15), as well as twenty-six times in other letters to believers. It is the language of a kindred spirit--one who is engaged in the good fight of faith, pressing toward the mark for the prize of the high calling.

"As many as be perfect." Paul has just acknowledged he does NOT speak as one who is "already perfect" (3:12), yet now he speaks as though the state has already been attained. Perfection, in this case, is not a single point in time, but a process. Those who "are perfect" are spiritually mature. While they have not yet reached the goal, they are aware of it. They know where they are headed and have adjusted life's compass to reach that goal. They are "no more children, tossed to and fro," jostled by the delusionary, and moved from here and there by the subtle (Eph 4:14). They have not reached the stage of the "full kernel in the head," but have become a "head" that will yet be ripened (Mark 4:28, NIV).

Spiritual maturity, or being "perfect," is not a state of moral attainment but a condition of heart and mind. Elsewhere, the Spirit reminds us such perfection involves the cleansing of the conscience, a condition in which the heart is assured of Divine acceptance (Heb 9:9; 10:1-2). Such souls are able to discern the "wisdom of God" in the preaching of the cross (1 Cor 2:6). Paul reminded Timothy that a "perfect" person was knowledgeably "equipped for every good work" (2 Tim 3:17). This is the person who does not require continual guidance in the details of life. Being mature, such can "walk in the Spirit," abstaining from fleshly lusts that war against the soul. The appetite for the things of God is developed, longings for heaven intense, and one's discontent with this present evil world profound. Such souls are blessed indeed, and are growing up into Christ "in all things" (Eph 4:15). Their religion is not a routine or a series of procedures. Rather, the Lord Jesus is the Source of their delight and the Object of their most devoted attention.

And what are such people to do--those "who are perfect"? They are NOT to rely upon their perfection as though it was complete, for it is not. In the fullest sense, they are not yet perfect. They are young adults, and not yet of full age. Because spiritual maturity is neither initiated nor consummated without effort, they are to be "thus minded." Other versions say "have this mind" (NKJV), "have this attitude" (NASB), "take this view of things" (NIV), and "be of the same mind" (NRSV). What mind, attitude, or view is meant?

It is the frame of mind Paul has just affirmed he possessed (3:10-14). It is counting every loss for Christ, counting them but dung, and seeking to know the Lord more fully. It is acknowledging the prize has not yet been gained, but pushing toward it with unrelenting zeal and fervor. It is being determined to take hold on that for which Christ took hold of us.

That is the only acceptable mind for the people of God! Such a mind can be possessed, dominating those who have it. Yea, it MUST be possessed if we are to safely reach the appointed goal. O, that more were aware this mind can be possessed!

PRAYER POINT: Father, thank You through Jesus for continually reminding us we are not of this world, and have not yet arrived at our ultimate appointed destiny.

-- Tomorrow: GOD WILL REVEAL IT TO YOU! --