Look Ahead, Friends
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.” Philippians 4:8 (NIV)
What is a Mindset?
The American Physiological Association defines mindset as how people think and pursue their goals. There are two types: a deliberative and an implemental mindset. A deliberative mindset means to debate between courses of action. An implemental mindset involves taking a chosen action (APA, 2024). Tchiki Davis, Ph. writes, “Mindset is crucially important because our attitudes and beliefs affect everything we do, feel, think, and experience. Our mindset influences our perceptions and how we move through the world” (Berkeley Well-Being Institute, 2023). Christians believe in a Christ-like mindset, setting minds to eternal life and furthering the good news of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
What is a Christ-Like mindset?
Neural pathways in the brain form mindsets. Neurons are senders and receivers of information in the brain. The paths are connections that form between neurons. (LifeXChange, 2024). A growth mindset is devoted to development. Someone with this mindset focuses on learning, moving forward, and seeking feedback (Berkeley Well-Being Institute, 2023). It reflects the brain’s ability to change and grow. A mind focused on Christ centers on hope and truth. “A Spiritual Growth Mindset says I can because God can” (EPIC Ministries, 2021). A mindset on Christ is connected to a positive outlook on the future and continued learning.
Why Believe in Christ?
Regardless of belief, everyone seeks truth. A common reference is the golden rule, to treat others as yourself. This idea is a biblical principle, and Matthew 7:12 states, “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets” (NIV). Everyone places faith somewhere. Buddhists hope in Budda, Christians in God, and Atheists in things of this world. Evidence has proven Jesus as a man, the Gospels prove him as the Messiah.
University of North Carolina religious studies professor Bart D. Ehrman states, “It is useful for realizing that Jesus was [a man] and historians had reason to look into the matter. No one thought he was made up” (Klien, 2024). Author J. Warner Wallace describes how the Gospels were written early, transmitted carefully, protected, testable, and consistent with non-Christian sources. The Gospels are accounts of Jesus’ life demonstrating his acts and evidence that he is the Messiah. A faith placed in Christ leads to freedom. At Echoing Hills, our greatest desire is to share this freedom by fulfilling our purpose of “creating opportunities for people to know and experience Jesus Christ.”
https://dictionary.apa.org/mindset
https://www.berkeleywellbeing.com/mindsets.html
https://lifexchangesolutions.com/neural-pathways/
https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/religion-science/
https://coldcasechristianity.com/writings/is-there-any-evidence-for-jesus-outside-the-bible/
https://coldcasechristianity.com/writings/jesus-is-evidence-that-god-exists/
