The Way Of Growth!

Someone has said, “Wise people sometimes change their minds -- fools never.” [source: “1600 Squibs And Quips”, compiled by E. C. McKenzie] Stubbornness can blind one to the truth whereas the wise, in humility, WILL CHANGE when the need is there.

Note what Jesus directed at some of the Jewish leaders of that day.
“(28) ‘What do you think? A man had two sons. And he went to the first and said, ‘Son, go and work in the vineyard today.’ (29) And he answered, ‘I will not,’ but afterward HE CHANGED HIS MIND AND WENT. (30) And he went to the other son and said the same. And he answered, ‘I go, sir,’ but did not go. (31) Which of the two did the will of his father?’ They said, ‘The first.’ Jesus said to them, ‘Truly, I say to you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes go into the kingdom of God before you. (32) For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes believed him. And EVEN WHEN YOU SAW IT, YOU DID NOT AFTERWARD CHANGE YOUR MINDS AND BELIEVE HIM.” ( Matthew 21:28-32 ESV)

The first son appears to have exhibited open rebellion, but his conscience was touched and he CHANGED HIS MIND. We might say the second son was a polite “yes man”, but he only offered lip service and did not go. As Jesus capped off the story He pointed to the foolishness of those who had heard the testimony of John and yet would not CHANGE their thinking. The tax collectors and prostitutes (the outcasts of the day) were willing to CHANGE to the way of righteousness while the pious leaders hung onto their own self-righteous attitude.

Paul was one who possessed great spiritual zeal even before He came to know Christ. ( Philippians 3:6) He had been advancing in Judaism beyond many his own age, being very zealous for the traditions of the fathers. ( Galatians 1:14) However, when faced with the truth of Christ he was wise enough to recognize he had been wrong and CHANGED HIS MIND. Had Paul still been seeking the approval of men he would not have become a servant of Christ. ( Galatians 1:10)

Isn’t it wonderful we don’t have to be slaves to our past. Though we might begin wrong or draw some wrong conclusions along the way, we don’t have to continue down that path. To admit we have been wrong and CHANGE OUR MIND is simply to acknowledge we are growing. May we continue to allow the truth of God’s Word to be the last word on every subject so that by it we may continue to have our thinking transformed into harmony with the mind of God.

Have a great day ALLOWING GOD TO RENEW THE MIND!
Carl

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