Luke 10:29 But he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbour?

Just two verses earlier this man answered correctly. Love God, love your neighbor. The Jesus said, you’re right, do it. This was that man’s reaction in being asked to do what he knew to be true.

There is this lingering between knowledge and action that will always contain a huge weight based in choice. I would love to tell you that merely knowing the truth allows us to act on it, to do the right thing.

Romans 7:18b for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.

If Paul for all his knowledge and will could not find it within himself the how, what chance do I stand?

Galatians 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

How far is it from Romans 7:18 to Galatians 2:20? How far do I have to walk with my Lord until I find that faith acts while I watch? When will I stop trying to justify my choices and just allow truth to be done?

When will my love be perfected and cast out all fear?

I’m a child sitting in the back seat crying, “Are we there yet?”

“Look about you My son and take joy in the journey. We will be there soon enough.”

Romans 12:3c think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.

Yesterday I was remembering some of the things that I have done in the past. All I could think was “What a jerk!” Talking with my wife about it she reminded me that I am not that man today.

Back in the day, I didn’t see what I was doing was all that bad. My attitude was much different. If I were to try and reason out today why I was that way, I cannot tell you what I was thinking back then. The reason for that is because I have a new mind set, I do not think the way I did back then. I remember events but as to why they happened, that part escapes me.

Romans 12:2b be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind

So how did I achieve this new mind set, how did I obtain a new attitude?

Ecclesiastes 12:11-12 The words of the wise are as goads, and as nails fastened by the masters of assemblies, which are given from one shepherd. And further, by these, my son, be admonished: of making many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh.

I wore out my flesh.

God dealt me a measure of faith that drove me to do it, the goads and nails. It hasn’t always been pleasant but it was needful. The transformation to the new mind did not happen just by wishing and praying. I had to invest the time.

Do you have to do this also? I am NOT telling you this is what you have to do. As God has dealt you with whatever faith you have been given, be faithful to God.

All I am saying is this is how I got my renewed mind.