_{The first half of this mental shift is to stop thinking immature thoughts, which are selfcentered and selfseeking.  Babies, by nature, are completely selfish. They think only of themselves. That is immature thinking: "Those who think they can do it on their own end up obsessed with measuring their own moral muscle but never get around to exercising it in real life" (Romans 8:5 MSG).}

_{The apostle Paul wrote, "To be perfectly frank, I'm getting exasperated with your infantile thinking. How long before you grow up and use your head-your adult head? It's all right to have a childlike unfamiliarity with evil; a simple no is all that's needed there. But there's far more to saying yes to something. Only mature and wellexercised intelligence can save you from falling into gullibility" (1 Corinthians 14:20 MSG).}

_{The second half of thinking like rabbi Jesus is to start thinking maturely, which focuses on others, not yourself. In his great chapter on what real love is, Paul concluded that thinking of others is the mark of maturity: "When I was an infant at my mother's breast, I gurgled and cooed like any infant. When I grew up, I left those infant ways for good" (1 Corinthians 13:11 MSG).}

_{Today, many assume that spiritual maturity is measured by how much biblical knowledge and doctrine you know. While knowledge is one measurement of maturity, it isn't the whole story. The Christian life is far more than creeds and convictions; it includes conduct and character. Our deeds must be consistent with our creeds and our beliefs must be backed up with Christlike behavior.}

_{Christianity is not a philosophy, but a relationship and a life where we practice thinking of others as Jesus did: "Don't push your way to the front; don't sweet talk your way to the top. Put yourself aside, and help others get ahead. Don't be obsessed with getting your own advantage. Forget yourselves long enough to lend a helping hand (Philippians 2:34 MSG).}

_{Thinking of others is the heart of Christlikeness, and the goal of spiritual growth.  This kind of thinking is unnatural, countercultural, and rare. The only way we will learn to think this way is by filling our minds with the Word of God.}  

_{"God has given us his Spirit. That's why we don't think the same way that the people of this world think" (1 Corinthians 2:12 CEV).  Thanks for the friendships! God_bless you   :)}

Hey Tom,

    Who was it, Paul or who, who said, "Why are you still walking as mere men?"  It's not human love we are standing on, or that provides the "real" Life, the Bread of Heaven, that if a man eats therof he shall "Live!"  There is a Love that changes you!   There is a difference than in human love.  My human goodness will only give you so much, it may tickle your fancy or make you shine, but it don't give you that "Peace" that is not of this world!  It can't give you the Hope for what you can't see; it can't raise you off a death bed or turn the hearts of your wayward children back home....but there is a Love that can!  And it's in "this" Love that we grow and mature....this love, that really does love it's neighbor as itself, that really will deny itself for your sake, that really does know a Motive other than the one that ultimately seeks its own... 

Remember Jesus said, "Feed my sheep" ultmostly to his Disciples?  There is a bread that fills our bellies and satifies our human wants and needs, that makes us turn and praise people for their goodness!  And there is a Bread that fills the longing soul, that makes a man turn and praise God!   Who am I causing people to praise?  Me or God?  Amen.

     Thanks for topics from my "Favorite" Subject Tommy,
                                  
                                             preachergirl,   Kim

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Religion____Man's Attempt to become good enough to reach God, depending on their good works.

God'd Grace____Reaching down to man through Christ to provide a means of atonement for people's sins.

Christianity______A personal relationship with Christ, and reaching God through Christ.  This personal relationship is not a 1 time thing, it is a daily, moment achievment through studying God's Word.