I was reading in The Lost Art of Practicing His Presence (by James W. Goll) today and came across some great - and very concise - advice on having the mind of Christ. It's not necessarily simple - it's discipline. But it's well put, and I thought some of you might be encouraged in it.

He offers seven steps to assist us in having the mind of Christ. (If you get overwhelmed by big lists of "to do's", then just focus on one a time.)

CONFESS our sins

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)

FORGIVE others that have wronged us

“The heart knows its own bitterness, and a stranger does no t share its joy.” (Proverbs 14:10)

FORGET the things that are behind - look forward

“Forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:13-14)

REMOVE worldly attitudes, habits and practices

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” (Hebrews 12:1-3)

COMBAT and WITHSTAND the things put up against us

“For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses. We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.” (2 Corinthians 10:4-5)

BUILD UP through prayer

“But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting anxiously for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to eternal life.” (Jude 20-21)

PUT ON the character of Christ

“Put on the Lord Jesus Christ....” (Romans 13:14a)
“Put on the full armour of God....” (Ephesians 6:11a)
“So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.... Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity.” (Colossians 3:12, 14)