What is the primary influence that impacts how you see your world and circumstances each day? Fear? Arrogance? Hopelessness? Faith?
King David (of Goliath slaying fame) penned Psalm 16 as a counter attack in a battle with some internal worries. How he addresses his fears gives us a primary tactic for approaching and engaging everyday life in a fearful, out-of-our-control world. He writes in verse 8: “I have set the LORD always before me; because He is at my right hand I shall not be shaken.” David lives with “God Goggles” on. He intentionally sets who God is and how God relates to His people as a filter over his mind. This enables him to interact with his concerns, circumstances, and thoughts influenced primarily by God’s character and promises. Updating David’s language into an increasingly common Christian phrase, we could say that David lived with a Gospel-centered mindset enabling a Gospel-expanding life. Pastor and Author Tim Challies explains: “To be Gospel-centered is to live your life with the constant awareness that the Gospel changes everything. It is to ask in every situation, What difference does the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ make here and now?” Every Christian is called to be primarily oriented on the Gospel in 1 Corinthians 15:1-5. Gospel-centered goggles enable us to read the newspaper trusting God’s sovereignty and wisdom. We can endure physical pains by hoping in the coming, eternal wholeness promised to us through Jesus’ resurrection. We engage in human relationship by enjoying and re-deploying God’s forgiveness and transforming grace. The Gospel can change everything, every day for every believer. 6 Simple Tactics for Growing a Gospel-Centered Mindset (hijacked gratefully from this small, excellent book)
10 Ways the Gospel Can Transform Real Life
If you’ve shifted away from the Gospel or if you’ve never lived a Gospel-centered life, guess what the answer is? The Gospel! Look back to Jesus. He’s still off the cross, He’s still out of the tomb, and He’s still on the throne. Jesus is like a paramedic ready to drive the ambulance of grace straight to your need. Put Gospel goggles on your eyes. Set the Lord always before you, and discover the peace and pleasure David celebrated when he concluded "because He is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken." Desiring Jesus with You, Pastor Thomas |
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