The Mindset of Kings
“There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.”
Proverbs 14:12, NKJV.
To think like a king is to trust God above yourself - not just in the outcome of a situation, but in the way you choose to perceive everything. To be heavenly minded is to consult God in all things. It is to know that no matter what we may see or feel, our Father has a heavenly perspective that is perfect; it is better to align our thoughts with His on the basis of His perfect vision. The Mindset of a King is to choose to surrender your own desire to be right in exchange for the heart and mind of Christ.
What is the way that seems right?
Our ways are made up of our own customs, habits, practices, understandings, and perspectives. Our way is the way we process and navigate our current circumstances. Another way to think of it is the way we see things or the way we do things. Our way seems right, or justified, to us for various reasons: our pride convinces us that we know best, our emotions paint skewed pictures of reality that we rely upon, or maybe we feel the need to protect ourselves. There are many reasons our way seems right to us, but can I share something with you with hopes that it sets you free? Just because the pain is real, or the emotions are valid, or the facts are true, does not mean your perspective is right. Right according to what? Right according to the word and way of God. See Proverbs 3:5-6.
Why is it dangerous to rely on the way that seems right to us?
Reliance on our own way takes us outside of God’s plan for our hearts. God’s design for our lives includes continuous transformation of heart and mind just as much as it includes the blessings we want to step into. It is actually more important who we become than what we obtain. When we rely on our own understanding, not only do we miss out on the outward tangible blessings he has for us, we miss out on the inward transformation into who we are meant to be. It is possible to go throughout your entire life appearing to be in right standing with God but be completely outside of His will. When we rely on our own way of seeing things or our own way of doing things, we miss out on people, we miss out on instructions, and we definitely miss out on the humility that is required to live a life pleasing to God. Ultimately, reliance on our own way results in a life built on pride which is why it leads to destruction.
It is in your very best interest to take every opportunity, every single day, in every single situation, to not lean on your own understanding. Take every opportunity to ask God for His perspective so that even your thoughts are aligned with His.
What is the alternative?
THE MIND OF CHRIST. If there is a way that seems right to us that leads to death, then that indicates to me that there is another way that may not seem so right to us that leads to life. This is a biblical principle: the things of the Spirit seem like foolishness to us when we are operating in our own mind so they must be discerned through God’s Spirit. See 1 Corinthians 2:14. I know it may seem counterintuitive to not rely on your own mind but I want to encourage you that there is an alternative. We have the mind of Christ. See 1 Corinthians 2:16. Praise God because we don’t have to rely on ourselves. There is another way of thinking and it is the thoughts that flow from having the perspective of Christ. As believers we get access to the mind of the One who has perfect knowledge, perfect grace, perfect compassion, and perfect understanding. Taking on the mind of Christ helps us to produce thoughts that lead to the transformation of our hearts. Why would you rely on a limited perspective that can only produce thoughts and actions that take you outside of the will of God when you can have the mind of a king?
What can you do to apply this now?
You can simply begin to consider your ways. Consider your thoughts. Do the mindsets you’re currently operating in align with God’s character? If Jesus was here right now dealing with the same conflicts that you’re in, do you honestly see Him acting and thinking in the same way you are right now? Be slow to rely on the way you’ve always done it. Seek God’s manner even in the way you think. And most importantly, pray. Ask God to bless you with the mind of Christ. There is so much power in that request because the Bible already tells us that we have it. When you pray and declare what is already written, God is eager to give it to you.
Finally, it's important to know that this mindset is something you have to intentionally choose each day. We have to diligently seek God’s way in every situation. There will be moments when you’re tempted to go back to old ways of thinking but do your best to stand firm. If you stumble or fall, it’s ok. Get back up and keep going. God is with you and helping you along the way. This journey of faith really is a journey – take it one day at a time.