22 July 2025
Ken F. Miller
The world has gotten out of control not only morally but also spiritually; baptized Christians are the only ones that can stop the second coming of Christ because of this immorality. The changes that must be made are in the heart and the mind. Spiritual growth is not only behavioral but a thinking change, an ability to see people and situations through the perspective of Christ, a way of life that is based on faith, humility, and obedience. This transformation begins with the intentional process of developing a Christlike mindset. This mindset must be based on the following,
Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. Colossians 2:8 (KJV)
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (KJV)
The Mind is the Gateway to the Soul
The scripture has always urged the value of mind that aids in developing our character and activities. Proverbs 23:7: The author claims that as a man thinks so he is. What we think, whether we know it or not, is the very first step in developing our character, the mold by which we are going to react to trials, how we deal with people and how we think of the will of God.
Developing a Christlike mindset begins with understanding that the battle for spiritual maturity is won, or lost, in the mind. Our thoughts are fed with what we choose to feed our mind and this identifies the state of our soul. In Romans 12:2 the Apostle Paul teaches us to put off the attributes of this world and transform our minds by doing the renewing of your mind. This is not something that can be done once in a long time but is a daily practice of making our minds focus on heavenly things. In my study of the scriptures for over 70+ years I have learned that this process is building our character.
What we see/hear/touch/taste/and smell (our 5 senses)
Goes into our mind, which demands a thought,
Every thought demands an action,
Every repeated action creates a habit,
Every habit builds our character,
Jesus will judge every character.
From Knowledge to Transformation
Knowledge, simply knowing Scripture, or knowing doctrine, is not sufficient; Christlikeness is cultivated only when one has allowed knowledge to do its work of inner transformation. Philippians 2:5 tells us that we are to have a mind and thought process just like Jesus had. So how does that look in practice?
- Humility: Jesus lowered himself, even until the suffering death on a cross. Christlike attitude does not accept pride, instead, it accepts serving people without seeking recognition.
- Obedience: Jesus did not do his own will but that of the Father. Likewise, humans must do the will of God, this is not an easy thing to do, because of our sinful nature.
- Compassion: Christ had a mind that could be best described as very empathetic and loving especially to the outcast and sinner. When we act out of love rather than as a judge, we mirror His heart.
These thinking patterns gradually become our spiritual “DNA”. Once we start to use it, a real change takes place not by strict adherence to rules, but by regeneration of the inside.
Daily Habits that Shape that Mind of Christ
Like any other pursuit, developing a Christlike mindset requires consistency. Here are several disciplines that help renew your thoughts and align them with God’s purposes:
- Scripture Immersion (I use the term “Baptized into Scripture”)
Reading Scripture is more than checking off a religious box. This is how we get to know the voice, values and vision of Christ. If you decide to meditate on verses that describe His character ask the Holy Spirit how He wants you to apply them. - Prayerful Reflection
Spend time every day searching your heart and mind. Psalm 139:23-24 asks the Lord to come and search upon the person and know his or her troubled thoughts. It is a type of prayer that leads to consciousness and allows transformation. - Spiritual Accountability
Search out Christian friends who believe as you believe, and hold accountability “meetings” for each other - Choosing the Right Influences (We are a result of our environment)
You are subjected to the environment that you surround yourself in. What you are touching, observing, listening to, tasting or smelling bolsters the spiritual growth or destroys it. Guard your mind against the distractions and flood it with the pages of truth, beauty, and eternal viewpoint. - Service and Sacrifice
Selfless service is something that the self-centered mind finds unacceptable which will react, sometimes violently, to selfless service. When we serve in places that we would rather not be serving, it transforms our thoughts and actions towards sacrifice, the use of our time, resources, and our comfort zone.
Facing Trials with a Christlike Lens
Perhaps the most powerful evidence of developing a Christlike mindset is how we respond in times of adversity. Jesus was not exempted to suffering, he had to accept the will of His Father and believe in the “big picture” of God. Once we get the perspective of eternity in our mind we will no longer ask, why me? but we will ask, how can I bring glory to God through this?
James 1:2 4 advises Christians to rejoice in whatever comes their way as an act of trial, in the same process, they will come up happy and mature. The renewed mind does not become panic stricken when trouble strikes but it tries to find the meaning in the process. This does not mean that we like suffering, it means that we prefer to believe that God is working even in our suffering.
It is a Life Long Journey
Developing a Christlike mindset isn’t a finish line you cross, it’s a lifelong path you walk. It will have its downfalls. The world will seek to overtake during these uncertain days. But that is not a problem because we lean on this scripture.
13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. 1 Corinthians 10:13 (KJV)
We do not have a transformation journey on our own. God gives his Spirit to direct us, his Word to instruct us and his church to stimulate us. The more we stick to our daily renewing of our minds, the more we become like Christ which will be evident in what we say, what we choose, and in our lives.
Looking Ahead
Ken F. Miller’s upcoming book, Understanding the Doctrine of Christ, according to Hebrews 5:12-14 & Hebrews 6:1-20, expands on many of these spiritual concepts, particularly the need to grow beyond basic beliefs into full maturity in Christ. Slated for release in August 2025, the book offers a deeper dive into the biblical principles that support this lifelong transformation. Stay tuned here at TheDoctrineOfChrist.net for updates and release details
