Inheriting a New Mind

Monday, May 16, 2011 Posted by Sara

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“Watch out for that one.  He is disrespectful.  He doesn’t listen.  He stirs up trouble.  He’ll be the hard one in the class.”

Already a bit apprehensive about spending the next nine weeks teaching a kindergarten class, a feat easily likened to herding cats, I felt my stomach drop as my mentor teacher gave me the run down of her students.  Could I really handle this? Could they sense fear?  Behind the dimples and doe eyes, were five and six year olds capable of mutiny? How long, exactly, did I have before they executed their overthrow?

I watched the boy she spoke of intently as she quietly gave me a heads up about what to expect from him. In that moment a simple truth came to mind.

“…for only those who are spiritual can understand what the Spirit means. . . But we understand these things, for we have the mind of Christ.” 1 Corinthians 2:14, 16 (NLT)

I have inherited the mind of Christ.  What a treasure - to have access to a new perspective on every situation that comes my way.  Despite what I was hearing, it was time to recalibrate. What was on God’s mind for this small challenger?

Moments later, as she continued to speak, the answer became clear.  My mind filled with thoughts of God’s love for him. Over the course of the next nine weeks I sought God for ideas and strategies for how to love this little boy well.  God’s inspired methods proved extremely effective. To my delight, the boy transformed before my eyes.  He became a budding leader, a patient helper, and a joyful learner. In the end, my kindergarten adventure faithfully trained me for living from my inheritance.

For the mind of Christ is a terrible thing to waste.


Today, Lord we thank you for the gift of having the mind of Christ!  Give us Your perspective to the situations we face today and this week.


sara
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