Manner of Thinking 2

1 Timothy 5:4 (NET)  But if a widow has children or grandchildren, they should first learn to fulfill their duty toward their own household and so repay their parents what is owed them. For this is what pleases God.

After Kemi became a widow, one of the reasons she didn’t remarry immediately was because of her children. All the men who showed interest in marrying her couldn’t hide the fact that they were not interested in her children. If she had married any of those men, it might have meant that her old parents would have to take care of her children because they would not have a happy childhood in her new home. Because of these reasons, she chose to remain unmarried. As a believer, she didn’t put her convenience first but considered her children and her parents. She wanted to repay her parents by making their lives more comfortable, not making it more stressful because of her choices.

Beyond the obvious subject matter, today’s Bible verse reveals an attitude of mind that every Christian should have. A true believer should carry his own burdens and not have the character of pushing over his responsibilities to others because of his personal convenience. Many today have an entitlement mentality and would not think twice before pushing their responsibilities to others if they can. That’s not the Christian way.

In the kingdom, we have a mind to carry each other’s burdens, not a mind to impose our responsibilities on others.

In the world, it is more blessed to receive than to give, but in the kingdom, it is more blessed to give than to receive. This principle should guide our thought processes as new creatures in Christ.

Go into today knowing that the renewal of heart and transformation of mind through the Word fundamentally changes us from self-centered selfish people into selfless loving and giving people. Any believer who has not conquered self-centeredness will find that his ability to manifest the reality and power of the divine nature is greatly limited.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, give me the heart and mind of Christ. Deliver me from the old nature of selfishness and fill my heart with your love. Amen.

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—Abraham Damilola Arigi