One often hears the expression “to think outside the box.” Such a concept requires having an entirely different approach to the task at hand. Rather than add to what already has been examined, there is the need to abandon former ways and develop a totally different approach to the subject at hand.
The Christian life demands a new way of thinking. That which was viewed from the human perspective, one’s former way of life, now requires a divine perspective only attainable from the Word of God. Thus, Apostle Paul wrote … “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is — his good, pleasing and perfect will” (Rom 12:2 NIV). The priority was not a behavioral change but rather that which precedes any external action, an inward transformation in thinking. Thought patterns, that once led to actions that characterized the thinking of this world, must be changed to reflect God’s perspective for the spiritual life. This would not occur by adhering to a system of outward behaviors, but rather by developing a new way of thinking, a divine viewpoint derived from knowledge of the Word of God.
The Apostle Peter wrote in his second epistle of qualities that should be developed in the lives of those who have placed their faith in Christ. These characteristics do not make an individual a Christian, for faith in the Christ who died on the Cross for our sins is the only means of eternal life.
However, after having received Christ as one’s Savior, there must be spiritual growth if the individual is to be an effective witness.
Such growth is the norm since … “His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires” (2 Peter 1:3-4 NIV). “For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 1:5-8 NIV).
These qualities are not achieved by self-effort, but rather by God the Holy Spirit transforming the thought patterns and character of the believer as Truth is learned and applied. The result is a productive spiritual life … “for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose” (Phil 2:13 NIV). “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (Eph 2:10 NIV). The fruit produced by God the Holy Spirit in the believer is the same that characterized the humanity of Christ.
The Apostle Paul identified these Godly traits … “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit” (Gal 5:22-25 NIV). For this fruit to be evident in the believer there requires the action of being in fellowship, thus appropriating God’s grace provision for the cleansing from sins committed after salvation. The Apostle John wrote … “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9 NIV). The believer can then learn the Word of God and apply it in their life effectively. God will do His work in them to His honor and glory.