The mind is the seat of man’s divinity and what ultimately sets us apart from all other creatures. It is what allows us to be creative, innovative, have the ability to reflect, have foresight, and even observe our own thoughts. Therefore, we must be intentional about how this powerful tool is used, ensuring that it works for us and not against us. Salvation is free, and the regeneration of the Spirit is instant upon salvation. However, the mind needs to be consciously and continually renewed to avoid returning to bondage.
Without proper guarding, certain mindsets or mentalities could take root, giving Satan the opportunity and access to oppose our lives and obscure destinies. This series touches on four such mentalities and how to tackle them.
- The Arrival Mentality: This mentality says, “I have arrived.” It occurs when you have just achieved something and feel a sense of relief. causes people to rest too soon and become complacent. But in the school of transformation, there is no arrival or completion. (Joshua 1:1-2). Solution: Stay hungry and always have clearly defined goals and benchmark yourself against your calling.
- The Tolerance Mentality: This mentality says, “It’s always been like that, so it is okay.” When you have been in a certain situation for so long, it becomes difficult to imagine a different scenario. However, you cannot change anything you tolerate. You need to grow restless to force change (Genesis 27:40; 32:28). Solution: Use God’s ideal, not your ordeal or circumstance, as the basis for your status quo. Identify what you have tolerated and make a conscious effort to change them.
- The Herd Mentality: This mentality says, “Everyone is doing it, so why should I be different?” Herds are unable to think for themselves; they live a band-wagon lifestyle, and limit themselves from accessing the secret place (Numbers 13:25-33). Solution: Discover your personal leadership; Move away from ‘survival’ mode and take the responsibility to lead a goal-oriented life. Also, anticipate possible obstacles and be prepared to address them.
- The ‘There’s Time’ Mentality: This mentality says, “There is still time; God’s time is the best, or I will start when I am ready.” This mentality leads you to trivialize the importance of time, by fostering procrastination. Solution: Understand that God responds to effort and will more often than not be ready when you are (Proverbs 14:23, 10:4). You become ready when you start something and take responsibility for your destiny.
- The Entitlement Mentality: This mentality says that the world owes the person without requiring them to pay the price for it. Such individuals tend to demand more from life than from themselves (John 12:24, Luke 15:11-13). This exhibits laziness, offense, and excessive attachment to their position. Solution: Take full responsibility for your life’s outcomes and demand more from yourself than from others. Embrace the principle of sowing and reaping, and practice gratitude.